Masks in Korea
Masks in Korea were initially linked to rituals of shamanic nature. They were usually destroyed following their use in rituals of peace and prosperity. Later, during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) they became part of the Buddhist festivities. The new Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) adopted Confucianism as its official belief system. Confucian zeal even resulted in the prohibition in 1634 of certain types of entertainment.
This rare mask is of one of the characters from the Yangju byeolsandae nori mask dance-drama, which is still practised, date back to the beginning of the 19th century when it was performed by travelling groups based in the Seoul region on the occasion of Buddhist rituals of harvest and rain.
