This is not a very common kagura mask, in fact the only time I've seen it used in a performance is with our village's kagura group. One of the dances they perform every year at the all-night matsuri is Yorimasa, and part way into it the stage is suddenly invaded by a family of monkeys. The adult monkeys chase into the audience and grab unsuspecting young kids,... older kids have seen it before so they stay out of the monkeys' reach. The baby monkeys are played by 3 and 4 year old kids. It's they who wear this mask.
Most groups matsuri performances will include some form of pantomime or audience participation.
Around here kids start early with kagura. In a few places girls have started to take part, but mostly kagura is still for boys and men.
This mask is, of course, for sale at an unbelievably low price!!!!
Kagura Mask Index
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