Posted by Charlene Chai
on August 29, 2025
We were gifted a beautiful ceremonial Reishi Mask (also known as Lingzhi or Ganoderma lucidum) and what an extraordinary gift it is! I had never encountered these masks before, and I am finding their history and significance fascinating.
The intense visage of the mask reminds me of Mahakala, the fierce protector deity in Tibetan and Vajrayana Buddhism, whose wrathful appearance is meant to destroy ignorance and clear obstacles on the path to enlightenment. Similarly, these Reishi Masks were traditionally worn by the Rai tribe of northeast Nepal in rituals designed to scare away malevolent spirits.
Surviving examples of these masks date back to the 19th century or earlier. Many bear thick patinas from centuries of ritual use and show signs of ancient repairs which is powerful evidence of how revered and enduring these objects were. Shamans would coax a single large Reishi fungus into the shape of a face as it grew. Once fully formed, the mask would be dried and polished, hardening into a wood-like consistency. Each mask features a unique anthropomorphic visage, with a glossy, deeply wrinkled surface that gives it a dramatic, almost otherworldly presence.
Reflecting on this incredible artifact and the long journey it made to find its way to us at GO Mushrooms is humbling. Here, we honor the Reishi mushroom and its spirit, and this mask feels like a symbolic full circle return. I recall reading that Lingzhi literally translates to “Divine Mushroom.” Though much of its religious significance has faded over time, artifacts like this one offer a window into the relationship between humans, the natural world, and the spirit realms.
Mushrooms in the Ganoderma genus have long been celebrated not only for their healing properties but also for their mystical energy—a gateway to longevity and a protector of the spirit body. Our Reishi mask radiates this ancient, sacred essence.
We welcome the presence of our Reishi guardian to our GO Mushrooms company.
