Masked costume of Yama Dharmaraja, the god of Death

This mask and costume are worn by Tibetan and Mongolian monks dancing the cham. Originally, this was a shamanistic ritual intended to drive out evil spirits and placate protective ones, but later the dance went on to also symbolize Buddhism’s victory over the local Bön religion. Today it is performed as a purification ritual during the New Year celebrations.
The mask with the bull’s head is the god of death, Yama Dharmaraja, who decides where each deceased person is reborn. His third eye symbolizes inner insight.