These masks are the most distinctive manifestations of Iroquois religious art. Most are depictions of humanlike mythic beings – portraits of spirits encountered by people in dreams – and anyone who wears such a mask is transformed into the spirit embodied in the image. They are used during communal rituals that focus on driving out disease and misfortune and restoring balance. The spirits may also be called upon in times of personal need. The masks, whose features are cut directly on the living tree, are revered but are not objects of worship.