Central Asia, Himalayan region, Bhutan, Tibet or Nepal, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A leaded brass dance mask of a skull, the mouth pulled into a grin, meant to represent a Citipati, a skeletal protector deity in Buddhism, that was adapted from earlier Himalayan Bon religious beliefs. Buddhist teachings prepare followers for both life and death, the Citipati are considered the Lords of the Funeral Pyre / Cemeteries, and protectors of the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) from forces of dejection and ignorance. This type of mask is used in the Cham dance, preformed by monks and other festivals. Size: 8.75" L x 5.75" W (22.2 cm x 14.6 cm); 11.5" H (29.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Despite their intense and overall frightening appearance, the Citipati protect the Dharma (Buddhist teachings) from forces of dejection and ignorance. Typically depicted in pairs, the skeletons or Citipati (also known as Chitipati) represent a pair of lovers or ascetics who were so deep in meditation that they were unaware of an approaching man that killed them. In death they became Lord and Lady of the funeral pyre, whose sacred skeleton dance symbolizes the eternal dance of death as well as the arrival at absolute consciousness. In the traditional performance of the Tibetan Skeleton dance at cemeteries, the two Dharmapalas (Protectors of Truth) are played by Monks. They are deities whose primary role is to protect the cemetery grounds. Beyond this, their presence signifies the ephemeral nature of this earthly world and reminds the audience members of their own mortality. The cult of the "Second Buddha," Padmasambhava, planted the seed for this practice through their rich mythological literature.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Surrey, UK collection

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#183911

Great condition. Some wear to the surface, dark patina and toning, but otherwise intact.