Mask, Himachal Pradesh

93,500.00

This mask from Himachal Pradesh is one of the rare items in our collection. The structurally long neck is adorned with detailed embellishments and stands tall, looking more like a statue than a mask. The red and blue color residue gives it an attractive finish, making it a collector’s item. The mask depicts an animal, possibly a monkey looking at the shape of its ear and snout.

Dimension: 17X6.5 Inches
Medium: Wood

SKU: MA046 Category: Tags: , ,
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In Himachal Pradesh, traditional masks depict seetu or lion, braktoo or leopard, deities, demons, Dharamraj or God of death, Bajrapani, Padamsambhava, etc. These characters are predominant in performing arts, like the Chham or devil dance, folk theatres like Swang, Karyala, Dhuria swang, and many more. Masks are also used in festivals like Shyala, Naranattar, Deothan, Nirsu, Hinger, Bhuda Chhango and Padeyie.

Dedicating these masks to local Gods like Grama Devata (village deity) and Kula Devata (family deity) has been the compelling factor for artists to continue this tradition of mask making, an ancient craft still pursued with much zest. Some masks are made to be kept inside the temples, whereas others are placed at the entrances of village homes to keep away evil spirits.

Additional information

Weight
Dimensions

17X6.5 Inches

Medium

Wood

Provenance

Himachal Pradesh