Japanese Folk Religion Mask: "Hannya"

This mask represents "hannya", a jealous female demon. The mask is used in Japanese Noh theater. The mask for this character has two sharp bull-like horns, fierce eyes, and a leering mouth. In Noh plays, the type of mask changes according to the degree of jealousy, resentment, and anger of the female characters. The hannya mask is also used in Shinto ritual dances.

Noh actors cover their faces with a mask much like wearing makeup. However, Noh performers feel that the Noh mask has a certain power inherent in it which makes it much more spiritual than a prop used to change one's appearance. In putting the mask on, the performer is “becoming” the mask, and its emotions, in order to better express the characters feelings.

Noh (pronounced "no") theatre is one of the classical Japanese forms of stage performance. Noh and its more light hearted and humorous sister art Kyogen are often performed together in traditional theater houses within large Japanese cities. In the past, formal Noh/Kyogen performances would last all day with several heavy and serious Noh dramas of different genres being performed with periodic Kyogen performances between these to give the audience a break and a chance to laugh.

Source:
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/45501
http://www.emuseum.jp/detail/100431/010/000?d_lang=en
http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~eh364/Class/Masks.html