statue: S46. November 20th. City Cultural Property
Kamo, Obama city
Kamo shrine
These masks were used for Okinanomai. The Okinanomai was produced as Okinasarugaku
in Heian period. At that time, it was for Buddhism, but Shinto had been
involved in Muromachi period and it became a pray dance for peace. Okina
and Chichinojyo danced No.3 in the old styled Okinanomai, Enmeikanjya was
added in Kamakura period, Tsuyubarainosensai was also added later. Above
more, Chichinojyo and Enmeikajya disappeared. Thus, being two masks together
means that these are very old masks.
These masks are made with Kusu tree. After Muromachi period, masks are usually made with Hinoki tree, thus these are very old.
Whitewash, for paintings, has been used for masks after Momoyama era and before that era, White mud had been used. For the both masks, most of painting are peeled off, but using a magnifying glass, you would see the shining Unmoko in white mud. In the conclusion, it would have be made by the middle age of Muromachi period. It is unknown what was used for eye brow, but there are only marks of eye brow. Engraving is so beautiful and painting is also smooth, thus, mask for Chichinojyo is highly appreciated among Noh researchers.
Explanation 
Kamo shrine
