Bangsangsi was originally a representative god of Narye (a ritual in the palace and among the people on New Year's Eve to drive out sundry spirits) in ancient China such as the Ju and Han Dynasty. It was imported into Korea in the Koryo Dynasty and used in funeral and Guna ceremonies. it danced in front of a funeral procession to drive out sundry spirits, and stabbed the burial ground at four spots to expel evil spirits. The mask used was burned near the grave, and a new one was made for another funeral. The mask was made of wood, paper, straw, etc. Wooden Bangsangsi was worn by men of power or high officials, and paper one by general aristocrats, and straw one by ordinary people.