Mashao is the Chinese word for wooden ladle; a utensil used daily everywhere throughout China’s long history. In previous times, people would paint charms on the back of ladles to pray for blessings. The Mashao masks have long been a feature of the famous Shehuo parade in the northern parts of China. Distinctive for the bright colors and unusual faces, the Mashao masks in the Shehuo festival are based on folklore characters. The face is painted on Mashao to reflect people’s wishes for a good life and local people believe that having Mashao masks at home will protect the house and ward off evil spirits.
Update: August 02, 2021
