Exorcising masks originated from ancient sacrificial rituals in the Central Plains. The rituals were initially held to drive away ghosts and evils. Later, part of the rituals was evolved into local operas in praise of military deeds and high-ranking officers, becoming popular among the army troops. About 1,000 years ago, exorcising masks, combined with the totem worshipping among ethnic minority groups in the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and traditional sacrificial rituals, formed a mask culture of extensive contents. Ethnic minorities currently using exorcising masks include the Miao, Tujia, Yao, Zhuang, Dong, Shui, Buyi and Maonan etc.