A gigaku mask *gigakumen 伎楽面 and role paired with that of *Rikishi 力士, representing a strong, brave guardian of good and the brave follower of *Gokō 呉公. Characteristic is the black topknot, intense eyes focused down toward the flaring nose, and the eyebrows which swing fiercely up and back. In the gigaku performances popular in Japan in the 6th-12th century, he is said to have communicated with his partner, Rikishi, in total mutual understanding. Kongō also appears as a *Niō 仁王 guardian of temple gates, where he is depicted with a clenched mouth. The gentle smiles of both the wood Kongō in the *Shōsōin 正倉院 and the Kongō mask among the Hōryūji 法隆寺 treasures lack the aggressiveness of most Niō statues and are more appropriate to Kongō's role in gigaku. The Hōryūji mask shows holes for beard and mustache that were once implanted with hair, and (like Rikishi) this and other Kongō masks are thought to have worn a small crown.