This is one of the forms of "Ugly" Chlause or Silvesterklausen masks from Urnäsch, Switzerland, dating from 1985. It represents the dangerous and savage face of nature and its grotesque features are made of natural materials. These "Ugly" masks are thought to have been the oldest ones used in the region, are still worn to celebrate the end of the old year on December 31st, and are also worn on January 13th (the date of New Years's Eve before the institution of the Julian calendar). Made in images representing darkness, death, and the demonic, the masks were originally used in an attempt to face down evil spirits before the start of the new year and were also associated with begging for alms. The Christian church made efforts to eradicate this peasant tradition, and eventually succeeded in augmenting the New Year's Eve celebrations with the "Beautiful" masks depicting the joys of domesticity.