Exploring the world of Noh vol.2 ---on the Noh masks

In this volume, I would like to have a look at the Noh masks worn mainly by Shite (the main role), taking up the play "Jinenkoji 自然居士" I went last month.  Well, this is a beginners' guide by a beginner anyway...


Jinenkoji is the work created by Kannami 観阿弥, who established the form of perfect Noh,in Muromachi period(1336-1573).  There are four roles performed in Jinenkoji, Jinenkoji as shite,  two merchants as waki and wakitsure as supporting roles and a little girl.   In these roles, however, only shite wears a mask.  This is a rule of Noh.  


As you might have seen before, masks using in Noh usually show no clear facial expression.  Although there are over 60 kinds of masks basically depending on the role's sex, age, social status etc. and over 200 different kinds of masks are used today, each mask is carefully carved in such a way as to it holds a 'neutral' expression.

Why does only Shite wear a mask?