The world's many faces

Visitors to the Thailand Culture Centre today will have the chance to compare mask dances from four Asian countries - and the shows are free.

Dance of diversity

Maskdance troupes from Bhutan, Indonesia, South Korea and Thailand will be stepping onto the stage as part of the "World Map of Masks and Symbols" conference being held by the International Mask Arts and Culture Organisation (IMACO).

Thailand's Ministry of Culture and IMACO are cohosts of the event, which ends tomorrow. Culture Minister Teera Slukpetch described it as the launch of a collective effort to conserve and promote the world's  traditional maskart forms.

"At the same time, it will raise awareness of the shared values that exist between different countries. The conference is a showcase for our cultural heritage but also gives artists the chance to exchange ideas," he said.

IMACO president Kim Hwidong says that mask art is a common feature of cultures all over the world, with each tradition uniquely expressing the symbols and archetypes of a single society.

Illustrating that at the culture centre will be Bhutan's Buddhisminfluenced dance alongside South Korea's "Hahoe pyolshinGut TaiNori" folkdance show, inspired by the nation's rural traditions.

"I can proudly say that the IMACO has been successful in preserving and promoting traditional arts at a time when they are threatened with obscurity," said Hwidong.

Nigeria's deputy director for Museums and Monuments, Ashaye Ibironke Relumi, said the conference would provide a window on the world, giving people deep insights into different cultures through the fantastic masks discussed and on display.