Central Asia, Nepal, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden festival mask of an intriguing anthropomorphic form with an elongated nose and mandible. The ovoid eyes rest beneath the gently arched brows and bulging forehead, and the verso is carved out for wear. Great patina has formed across this mask. The Himalayan masking tradition is not as well-known as those from Africa or Southeastern Asia, and today some of the original information has been lost due to fading oral traditions. Masks like this one relate to indigenous, animist traditions that developed in the harsh, wild environment of the Himalayas, and so they are often representations of local spirits. Lucite display stand for photography purposes only. Size: 6.625" W x 13.6" H (16.8 cm x 34.5 cm)
Provenance: Estate of R. Pearson, Denver, Colorado, USA; Mr. Pearson collected from the third quarter of the 20th century until he passed away.; ex-Arte Primitivo Gallery, New York, New York, USA
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#156353
Condition
Repair to area beneath chin, with small chips and light resurfacing along break lines. Nicks and abrasions to face, peripheries, and verso, with fading to original pigmentation, light encrustations, and a few stable hairline fissures. Nice earthen deposits and wonderful patina throughout.