Detail

`The Ministry of Communications has chosen Pongsan Mask-Dance Drama (Mokjoong of Scene No.2) and Tongnae Yaryoo (another kind of traditional mask dance played in the Pusan area, with Malttugi-name of a servant-playing the leading role) as the theme of the third of a seires of postage stamps intended to introduce the Korean folklore. 1. Mokjoong (Pongsan Mask Dance) Pongsan Mask Dance is typical of the folk dance in the Hwanghae-do Province area in terms of fashion, mask, costume and the music accompanying the dance. It is a folklore dance designed for popular recreation of the public, lacking comparatively in religious significance. There is a scene in which eight Mokjoong (a kind of Buddhist monk) putting on extremely jaggy and crooked masks and swinging white long sleeves, dance round in a jerky way, occasionally jumping over a campfire. The scene may well be called the highlight of Pongsan Mask Dance for its cheerful and buoyant mood. 2. Malttugi (Tongnae Yaryoo) Tongnae Yaryoo is a mask-dance once popular in the Pusan district. It used to be performed, on the night of the 15th day of the first month by the lunar calender, by Malttugi wearing masks made of gourd in the light of burning beacons. Malttugi plays a very important part throughout the all scenes of this mask dance, wearing a big mask, second only to the lion`s mask in size. Thus, Malttugi is worth being called the hero of this mask-dance drama, who should excel anyone else both in dancing and jesting. `