Bamen. Samurai Horse Mask. Edo-19th.

Samurai horse mask, used to protect the horse's head, this mask was also designed to impress the enemy. This "Bamen" in the shape of a fierce dragon's head, with horns. It is made of leather, paper and lacquer. These materials were chosen so that the mask is light but also strong enough to protect the animal. At the end of the Edo period, (period of peace, these masks served as decoration during the parades). Length 56 cm, maximum width at the top of the horns 29 cm.