This rare 19th-century mask is one of 19 known masks of its kind in public and private collections. It is characterized by a complex interplay of cylinders, circular patterns and geometric shapes-cylinders, lozenges, triangles and parallel lines. Originally designated "Batcham," after the site from which the first mask of this type was collected in 1904, the mask was an instrument of social control and represented the power of the king and other dignitaries. A person of high rank danced the mask at the funerals of the king and other notables, at the end of harvest celebrations and at the new year. The dancer wore it on top of his head with a costume to conceal his identity.