The Ridicule mask is meant to mock or shame a rival and thereby
enhance the status of the owner. This mask refers to a confrontation
between rivals at a potlatch. The wealthy host throws
extravagant amounts of valuable eulachon oil on the fire to fuel the
flames and the rival, who is seated closest to the this inferno as
an "honoured guest," must not move away because to do so is to admit
inferior strength, status and wealth. In order to "save face," the
rival literally loses his face, as the fire melts off one side of
it.
