The oldest type of Tengu had a face that was bird-like, with a beak. Over time this became a long nose, and was probably incorporating elements of Sarutahiko, so long-nosed, red faced masks are sometimes called tengu, sometimes Sarutahiko.
The Tengu became associated with yamabushi, the ascetic monks of Shugendo. If the mask is wearing a small black cap. then I would call it a Tengu. Without a cap it might be a tengu, it might be Sarutahiko.
All of these masks were in shrines in the Kunisaki Peninsular in northern Kyushu.
The Sarutahiko mask will often be found paired with a round-faced female mask and its phallic/fertility association is clearer. The female is Uzume, Sarutahiko's wife.
More tengu masks, including some of mine, can be found here
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oohh, you know I've always been a little confused as to why Sarutahiko-sama and Tengu look so much alike. I wonder what the story is behind the molding of characteristics-- is it really just two names for the same kami?? I thought they had different personalities...hmmmm...
ReplyDeleteBoth Tengu and Sarutahiko have different attributes at different times and different places.... homogenity is a 20th Century creation....
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