Tai Wai

Yao ethnic group mask portraying Tai Wai, the messenger. The masks of the Yao ethnic group living in the southwest of China and borders are called divine heads and are worn by priests in funeral and ordination shamanic ceremonies when the physical presence of gods is required. They have a two-dimensional shape and are made of paper. The Yao divide the supernatural agencies in four sections: the Sky, the Underground, this World and the Waters. These sections have official messengers to communicate between them and the Yao priests. Tai Wai is one of them. He is the officer of the Governor of this World who rides a white horse through the skies carrying reports between the sacred tribune of the Yao priest and the Governor’s office.