Nuo Opera and Di Opera Masks

Nuo Opera and Di Opera Masks

　　Nuo Opera originated from primitive religion, featuring sacrificial and shamanistic rituals to pray to deities and expel evil spirits. The Nuo culture was highly prevalent during the Han and Tang dynasties. During the Ming Dynasty, garrison troops brought the Nuo culture to Guizhou. It was only in the isolated region of Guizhou that this Nuo culture, which had gradually disappeared in central China, managed to survive. The Nuo Opera masks are exquisitely crafted and imbued with a strong romantic flavor, earning them the title of "living fossil of drama." Di Opera originated from ancient Nuo performances and centers on themes that celebrate patriotism and martial valor. (Guiyang)