The masks of Tibet are a kind of artware derived from religious art and directly related to people’s daily life, labor and entertainment. They are dis tribute throughout the region.

They can be divided generally into religious masks, Tibetan opera masks and folk song and dance masks. At each major religious festival, one of the highlights is a sorcerer’s dance with the performer in a trance. The masks in use include ghosts, Drarma Protectors and immortals, etc. they are very colorful, and diverse characteristics in different parts of the region.

Religion masks can be divided into three categories, namely Yidam, Dharma Protector and accompanying god (also known as the follower). Compared to religious ones, Tibetan opera masks and sing and dance masks naturally have a strong secular tendencies and folk styles.

From the production perspective, masks can be generally divided into two kinds, namely hard and soft. Most religious masks are hard, while most folk masks are soft. Hard masks are three-dimensional or semi three-dimensional. The production process is as follows: first, paste the unpainted clay body with paper and cloth pulps, and then paint after it is hardened. The masks carved with wood are mainly used in the border forest areas.