Generally referred to as shamanic, the mask probably represents deities, ancestors or animals. Used in rituals and ceremonies, the masked dancer would try to connect with local spirits on behalf of the village. When not in use, the mask is stored on an interior wall where it is exposed to smoke from the cooking fire which gradually darkens its surface. These masks are the expression of an ancient pan-Asian mask culture which was still in evidence at the beginning of the 20th century not only in the Himalayas, but also among Indonesian islanders such as the Batak of Sumatra and the Atoni of Timor, as well as among the tribal people of India, Siberia , Alaska and Northern Canada. A bit larger than most masks, it is carved out of a dense hardwood.