Antique shamanic mask, made from the pelvic bone of a yak, the natural shape of this bone only very mildly adjusted by carving a mouth and nose as facial features.
Masks such as this beautiful example have a very ancient origin and are known to be used especially by the animist tribes in Himalayan regions, but similar ones can sporadically also be found on different parts of the globe.
They are worn by the tribe's shaman during specific ceremonial and ritual work, especially when strong protection and/or merging with very powerful spirits is needed. Also when they are 'off duty' for shorter or longer time, these masks are still considered to be the houses of strong spirits and as such for example hung in houses for protection. Where they are of course regularly fed offerings such as incense, ghee, wodka and milk. Over time, this gives them a beautiful black patina.
Masks like this are often enlivened and blessed by smearing red ochre on them. The residue of which can also be seen on this mask here in our shop, indicating that this mask has indeed been used for shamanic work before. It should thus be treated with the utmost care and respect.
Size; approximately 21 centimeters high and 19 centimeters wide.
