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Wide shallow mask with rounded eyeholes flanking high relief nose with pierced nostrils, subtle raised cheekbones, open mouth, and perforated on sides on earlobes. Dark deep brown patina. Age crack in corner of eye. Small remains of red wax export seal on reverse.
PROVENANCE:European collection. Ex. Estate of Jack Faxon, Birmingham, MI & NYC. Michigan State Senator, 1971-1985. Creator of the Michigan Council for the Arts. Ex Arte Primitivo. Piece comes withcertificate from Arte Primitivo.Size: 9-1/8”H. x 8”W. (23cm x 20.3cm)Nepalese and Tibetan Masks are one of the symbols that better represent the culture and traditions of people living in the Himalayan region. The ritual of wearing masks is very old and it comes from animists Himalayan tribes used to worship spirits of nature and guardians of these majestic mountains.
TheShamansof these tribes used to wear masks during rituals they use to perform in order to protect the village, heal diseases, practice exorcisms or other purposes.
Masks supposedly had a very important functions in the social life of these community as they were used also during theatrical representations and ceremonies dedicated to ancestors.
Hindu and Buddhist cultures, that became dominant in the surrounding regions, slowly replaced the myths of this shamanic cult.
However some of the old costumes survived.
Even spirits and demons were adopted by the Buddhist tradition and some of them becamewrathful protectors of the Buddhist doctrine.
