Nuo

Nuo is the exorcistic religion of central and southern China, most closely tied to the Tujia. Its roots go back to the old rite of driving out plague demons at the turn of the seasons, led in the Zhou dynasty by the fangxiangshi, an official in a bearskin with four golden eyes.

Its gods are shown as carved wooden masks. Mythology makes the highest pair Lord Nuo and Lady Nuo, the first two humans, who were unjustly beheaded and are worshipped as ancestors who answer prayers. Below them come the Taoist Three Pure Ones and then the Jade Emperor, whom the priests summon by blowing an ox horn.

Rites in nuo temples include dances, sacrifices and nuo theatre. They aim to strengthen the gods so that they can drive out evil beings.