Very nice hard-wooden Nepalese ceremonial mask. Masks like this are worn during specific ceremonies and festivals. When they are 'off duty' for shorter or longer time, they are hung in houses near doors or windows, where they serve as houses for benevolent spirits who protect the house and family against malevolent spirits and diseases. They are then of course regularly fed offerings such as incense, ghee, wodka and milk, which over time gives them a beautiful dark and glossy patina.
This mask has been made of a dark hard wood, which indicates an origin in most likely the Magar or Gurung tribe. The wood has been decorated with accents of white and gold paint.
On the backside of the mask, the remnants of an export seal from the Nepalese Bureau of Cultural Relics can be seen, indicating the authenticity and heritage of this item.
Size; approximately 38 centimeters high and 21 centimeters wide. The age can roughly be determined somewhere around mid 20th century.
