SERIES IN NERIKOMI

In this civilization the faces of the high priests are always kept hidden, their identities are kept secret behind ceremonial masks.

Each high priest chooses his own mask. They can choose from an ancient one, worn by previous clergyman they admire, or they can have a new one designed.

There is an artisan, a sacred sculptor who designs and produces these veils. He also does not know the identity of the high priest, but liases with the pages of the temple, young boys and girls who are the only ones to know the identity of the priests - believing that no-one would kill a child to reveal the real names of the priesthood.

The religious edict was that the mask must be worn because it would be fatal to look directly upon the face of god as the high priests were called to do. Further, to be that close to god unsheathed and to then turn and face the congregation was seen as sacrosanct.

It was called the priest’s provocator because he was the individual selected to challenge god to a conversation and as such was one of the boldest and bravest of the people.