This mask of the gate guardian is made of poplar wood. Hand carved by artist Hu Fayun.  The mask also has a detachable wooden sword across the mouth.

The face of the guardian does not look much like the traditional dragons from Chinese Legends. This is because the gate guardian is one of the dragon’s nine sons. The nine sons of the dragon all look differently and has different abilities. Villagers from Southwest China still hang this type of mask above their doors to protect their families.

This special mask, also called “Tun Kou”, acts as a gate guardian. The intimidating looks and big mouth will scare away evil spirits and blow away bad wind.