A mask for the performance of a unique local opera named Nuoxi has been discovered in southwest China's Guizhou Province, which claims to be the largest ever found in the country.

With a height of 2.5 meters and a width of 1.35 meters, the mask was carved out from an integral piece of ancient wood.

Nuoxi, popular in Guizhou and Sichuan province, originated from the ancient sacrificial ritual. The performers would wear the masks to act as gods driving away the pestilence. With violent and repetitive actions, the performance possesses the style of the primitive dance.

(CRI.com May 10, 2005)