An Iron Half-Mask formed as a mythical bird (Tengu Men)

An Iron Half-Mask formed as a mythical bird (Tengu Men)
Momoyama-Edo period (16th-17th century)
The russet-iron mask forged with high cheeks and deep wrinkles in the cheeks with a hinged nose shaped like a beak, modelled after the mythical bird masks used in the gigaku performances, the triangular piercing below the beak providing ventilation and eliminating the need for a mouth hole, the underside of the chin pierced with a plum blossom formation for further ventilation, the interior lacquered red; fitted with a chain mail neck guard attached with printed leather