Oto Goze – protective spirit mask

An extremely large wall mask

“Many Oto Goze have noticeably protruding tongues. Some actors and scholars designate
these masks Shitadashi (舌出し) Oto, Shitatare (舌垂れ) Oto, or Shitakiri Hime (舌切姫).
Aside from the standard Oto iconography and a prominent tongue, these masks do not share
any other hallmark features. Moreover, the shape and size of the tongue vary greatly,
rendering the designation somewhat subjective.../... Like other Oto Goze, some Shitadashi
have refined and charming conformations, some appear cute or funny, while others are just
ugly. The tongue generally connotes ardor or sexual desire and thus emphasizes the
character’s desperation to marry.”

Stephen Marvin “The masks of kyōgen: a study of morphology, taxonomy, and personae”,
may 2021 (Hawaii University)