Nitten Mask

Nitten Mask, Japanese, 19th-20th century

This 19th century Japanese Nitten costume mask portrays the face of Amaterasu, the Sun God who is related to the twelve Devas in Buddhism. Although this mask initially appears to be a male, Amaterasu is actually female goddess who was treated poorly by her brother Susanoo, God of the sea. According to mythology, Amaterasu overcame this abuse and become a powerful leader of the gods. Her role in Japanese mythology is important because she reveals that women rulers are powerful, an adjective not often matched with westernized female gender roles where women often play subservient roles.  This mask is constructed from paulownia and cypress wood.