The Jinan Hou's shehuo masks originated in 1820 in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), and it is included on the list of Shandong provincial-level intangible cultural heritage items.

The masks are made of gourd, wood, silk, and leather. It is colored with red and black which symbolize gravity and dignity.

The performance of "shehuo" can be traced back to ancient rituals held by ancient Chinese ancestors to honor the gods from heaven and earth. "She " means the "God of Earth",  and "Huo" literally means "fire",  which ancient people believed to have magical powers of driving away evil spirits.

Jinan Hou's shehuo masks [Photo/WeChat account:touzilixia]