This wooden mask represents a man, probably a lama, and the mask is intricately carved and painted. The traditional masks are made from light wood so that they can be easily worn during performance and rituals. The colors used are natural pigments, yet it is very lively and has an authentic look. These masks are used largely in Cham dances-buddhist ritual dance-dramas performed in monasteries during Tibetan Buddhist festivals. The people of Monpa, who are ardent devotees of Mahayana Buddhism, would embrace these masks in their own spiritual and storytelling traditions, where masked performers narrate religious stories from which evil spirits can be warded off and blessings are bestowed upon the community. There are chances that the new era is keeping the old Monpa alive; measures from local artisans and culture conservation groups are ensuring that wooden mask making continues as an important heritage in the future.