Central Asia, Nepal, ca. late 18th to early 19th century CE. Hand-carved from wood, this is a lovely mask presenting a striking visage with expressive abstract features such as rectangular openwork eyes, a bar-shaped nose, an open mouth, and a prominent chin on a full-cheeked face with a vertically-incised brow line. The mask is pierced for suspension along the peripheries. The Himalayan mask 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. They were made to be worn in masquerades, glimpsed through light from lamps burning butter as oil. Size: 6" W x 8.125" H (15.2 cm x 20.6 cm).

Provenance: private Eason Eige collection, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

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#131585

Age-commensurate surface wear, small nicks and chips to eyes, mouth, nose, and peripheries, some discoloration, with inactive insect damage, otherwise very good. Light earthen deposits throughout.