Bring home a piece of Yunnan's living folk tradition. This handcrafted Tunku (吞口) totem mask wall hanging carries the protective spirit of southwestern China's ethnic cultures — a symbol believed to guard the home, ward off misfortune, and welcome good fortune. Made from natural coconut husk fiber with a hand-painted face, it turns any wall into a story with handmade character and cultural depth. The Tunku: A Guardian of the Home The Tunku is a protective carving tradition found among the minority cultures of southwestern China — including the Shui, Naxi, and Tujia peoples. Its origins reach back to totem worship and early folk shamanic practice, and it is widely regarded as a folk variation of the ancient Nuo (傩) ritual mask. Traditionally shaped as a fierce human head with bulging eyes, a lion-like nose, bared fangs, and an open mouth — believed to "swallow" evil — the Tunku was hung above doorways and courtyard gates to devour demons and plague, protect the family's health, and draw in prosperity. In the Shui language, "Tunku" carries the sense of "able to devour whatever it wishes" — a guardian that swallows evil and keeps good fortune close. Classic Tunku carvings were made from woods such as peach, camphor, white willow, and catalpa, painted in the traditional four colors of red, white, black, and green, and consecrated through a ritual ceremony before becoming a "guardian spirit" of the home. This modern hanging piece keeps the spirit of that tradition alive as decorative art for today's homes. The Dongba Heritage Behind the Craft "Dongba" (东巴) comes from the Naxi people of Yunnan and means "the wise one" — the name given to the Naxi priests who were the keepers of Dongba culture. The Dongba were the most learned members of Naxi society, masters of song, dance, scripture, history, painting, and medicine all at once, and the creators and transmitters of the region's remarkable Dongba tradition — home of the world's only living pictographic script. This mask honors that heritage with the hand-painted, handcrafted character of Yunnan folk art. Handmade Details, One of a Kind Natural materials: coconut husk fiber, wood, cotton yarn, and a brass bell Hand-painted face: bold concentric eyes and cheek stripes, painted individually — no two masks are identical Fiber plume crown: a tall plume of coarse natural fiber rises from the wide-brimmed hat, echoing ceremonial headdresses Braided tassels: multicolored yarn braids frame the face and end in frayed tassels Beaded bell: a string of colorful wooden beads finishes with a small brass bell that catches the light Approx. 40 cm tall including the fiber plume — a bold statement piece that takes no floor space Where It Belongs Hang it at the entrance as a protective totem — a modern echo of the traditional Tunku above the door — above a meditation corner as a grounding presence, or in a living space that celebrates ethnic and boho style. It pairs beautifully with macrame, crystals, plants, and sound tools, fitting effortlessly into healing spaces, yoga studios, and gallery walls. Frequently Asked Questions What does Tunku mean? Tunku (吞口) is a protective folk symbol from the minority cultures of southwestern China, including the Shui, Naxi, and Tujia peoples. Traditionally hung above doorways to guard the home and ward off misfortune, it is a folk variation of the ancient Nuo ritual mask, rooted in totem worship. In the Shui language the name carries the sense of "able to devour whatever it wishes" — swallowing evil and keeping good fortune close. What is Dongba? Dongba (东巴) is the Naxi word for "the wise one" — the name given to the Naxi priests who created and passed down Dongba culture, the tradition famous for the world's only living pictographic script. This mask is crafted in the hand-painted folk-art spirit of that Yunnan heritage. What is this mask made of? The mask is made from natural coconut husk fiber, wood, cotton yarn, and a small brass bell, with a hand-painted face. Because each piece is handmade, slight variations in color and pattern are normal — and part of its charm. How big is the mask? It measures approximately 40 cm (about 15.7 inches) tall including the top fiber plume, so it reads as a bold wall accent without dominating the room. How do I hang it? The mask is lightweight and hangs from a single point at the top of the fiber plume — a small nail, hook, or adhesive wall hook works well. No assembly required. Can I choose the color of my mask? Each mask is hand-painted in its own colorway, and the color is assigned randomly at dispatch — like a lucky draw of handcrafted folk art. If you would like a specific palette for a gallery row, contact us before ordering and we will do our best to match it. Care Tips Dust gently with a soft brush or dry cloth. Keep the mask away from direct moisture and strong sunlight to preserve the fiber plume and paint. It is designed for indoor display.
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