{"product_id":"lao-yao-minority-ritual-mask","title":"Laos Yao Minority Ritual Mask","description":"\u003cp\u003eA ritual mask of the Lao Yao minority, traditionally used by a shaman during ceremonial and spiritual rites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarved with simplified yet powerful facial features — pierced eyes, a pronounced nose, and an open mouth — the mask was likely worn during trance, healing, or ancestral invocation ceremonies. Among Yao communities, shamans acted as intermediaries between the human and spirit realms, and masks such as this embodied protective or ancestral forces during ritual performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe weathered surface, with remnants of applied material and pigment, reflects both age and repeated ceremonial handling. The expressive austerity of the carving conveys its original spiritual function rather than decorative intent.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Flea Market","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41050916716616,"sku":"ORIENTAL_0097","price":12300.0,"currency_code":"THB","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0568\/6267\/0920\/files\/IMG_1800_42f9936c-bfa6-4799-8ecd-ddf0a3755463.jpg?v=1772705782","url":"https:\/\/surroundliving.com\/en-eu\/products\/lao-yao-minority-ritual-mask","provider":"Surround Living","version":"1.0","type":"link"}