Masks such as this very nice example are used by animist tribes all over Nepal and parts of Tibet.
Masks like this are used for protection; they are hung in houses near doors or windows to protect the house and family against malevolent spirits and diseases. They are the houses of benevolent spirits, such as the family's ancestors, and are regularly fed with offerings of ghee or wodka and the smoke of incense. Sometimes they are worn by village shamans during ritual or healing ceremonies.
This handcarved mask comes from Nepal and is in good condition. It has gained a nice patina of ageing over the years.
Sizes; approximately 17 centimeters wide and 23 centimeters high. It weighs 372 grams.
The exact age of this mask is hard to say, but it can roughly be determined somewhere around the middle of the 20th century, or maybe even a little bit earlier.
