The Ox-Head and Horse-Face 牛头马面

The Ox-Head and Horse-Face 牛头马面

Paul Peng
Ox-Head and Horse-Face are the soul-catching envoys in the netherworld.


Ox-Head is also called "Abang" or "Afang". He has a human hand, ox hooves for feet, and possesses immense strength that can move mountains. He holds an iron hairpin.


Horse-Face is also known as "Horse-Head Rakshasa". "Rakshasa" refers to an evil ghost, so Horse-Head Rakshasa is literally a "horse-headed ghost". His image is that of a horse's head with a human body, and he is Ox-Head's partner.

In folk legends, Ox-Head and Horse-Face are sometimes the minions of Yama (the King of Hell) and the judges, sometimes they like to take small advantages, sometimes they do things that violate laws and disciplines, and sometimes they are quite compassionate. These are also the images of the yamen runners in feudal society.


Ghosts like Ox-Head and Horse-Face originally came from Buddhism and were later absorbed by Taoism. They are not commonly seen in Buddhism, but their traces can often be found in Taoism.
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Paul Peng — Zhengyi Taoist Priest, Longhu Mountain

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Paul Peng

Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.

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