A rectangular face covering, typically made of cloth or paper, that is suspended from the forehead via cords to conceal the face and eyes. It often features symbols or kanji. Commonly found in Japanese-style fantasy or religious contexts, it is inspired by Shinto ritual attire and the traditional zoumen (雑面) used in bugaku (舞楽, traditional Japanese dance).
It is used to hide the face of a deity, spirit, or high-ranking being from being viewed directly by mortals, or to prevent a priest's breath or gaze from "contaminating" the sacred.
