Hand carved ancient woolly mammoth tusk Tengu Noh mask cufflinks. Firstly lets talk about the idea of Noh. In Japan one of the most ancient forms of theater is Noh dating back to the fourteenth century and continues today in present day Japan. A Noh play portrays one all-encompassing emotion dominating the main character, the shite (she-tay).

This particular mask is known as Tengu, which represents the duality of good and evil. Tengu are often seen as mischievous or dangerous creatures, but they can also be benevolent and helpful. As such, tengu masks are often seen as a way to protect oneself from evil spirits.