Numerous instances of ethnographic collections such as dance masks and the like are now part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography in Munich.

One of the highlights is a glorious dance mask from Gabon representing a serene ideal of feminine beauty.

Some of the heads evoke African sculptures: one has the bulbous head, arching eyes and curve-patterned surface of Songye dance masks.

A dance mask of a youthful female water-spirit, with its tapering chin, downcast eyes and leaf-shaped facial adornments, is one.

Shigong dance masks were used in shamanic rituals to thank the gods, while nuo dance masks protected from bad spirits.

From the walls hang reddish-pink war dance masks, traditional drums, maracas and rustic coconut graters.

But I was most especially impressed by their wooden dance masks, finely carved but overpainted in brilliant colors made with candlefish oil.

Their lodge totem in an Iroquois dance mask.

L Map In business since 1978, this excellent little shop displays authentic Mexican dance masks, folk art and rural antiques.

Startled for a moment, Jiro recognized a dance mask, as the figure continued its unusual steps.