O-Beshimi (large clenched mouth): a mask worn by powerful deities and demons. Here the gold eyes, and red color of the skin indicate terrifying power; the clenched mouth indicates that that power is kept under close control. Both this mask and the O-Tobide mask are based on the features of guardian deity statues found at the gates of Buddhist temples. These temple guardians were thought to have originally been ferocious local gods who had converted to Buddhism, and now use their power to defend Buddhism.