Lion Dance

There is an old tradition in China of dancers wearing masks to resemble animals or mythical beasts, such as dragons, fish, or phoenixes. Ironically, the lion is not native to China, but the LION DANCE has become an integral part of Chinese celebrations, including weddings, cultural and religious festivals, and the Chinese New Year. Our lion mask is from the Southern LION DANCE, which is divided into two distinct styles. The “Fo Shan” style (“Buddha Mountain”), requires powerful kung fu moves and stances. The “He Shan” style of dance (”Crane Mountain”), is admired for its richness of expression, vigorous drumming, and unique footwork that mimics the movements of cats, such as “catching mouse,” “cat playing,” and “high escape”. The LION DANCE mask is traditionally made of paper-mache over a bamboo frame, beautifully painted, and adorned with layered cloth and fur. The “He Shan” style of Lion Dance made changes to the mask, rounding the horn and flattening the lips into a duckbill shape