Taiko Noh Masks

Eriko. Plaster bandage, paper clay decorated with acrylic paints. Angry face expression on mask. Eyebrows furrowed with lines in between brows, slight curl up in middle of forehead. Slight wrinkles around nostrils. High, pointed sculpted cheeks. Mouth open with rounded corners exaggerated outwards. Top and bottom teeth showing. Eyebrows painted dark brown. Lines and wrinkles on face painted red. Lips painted reddish/pink with white teeth.

Part of the Taiko Noh Mask Series, these masks were created by Zarco Guerrero for Koshio Gumi Taiko Drum Troupe to perform in at Cultural Coalition’s 2023 Mask Alive Festival in Mesa.

Inspired by the traditional Noh Masks, Zarco studied during his time in Japan, he describes these masks as specially created and made directly on each drummer's individual face. Every mask has the features and characterizations of Noh masks, but the shapes are different to fit the performer's face - which means they are custom made for each person. Traditional Noh masks are smaller with the same dimensions.