Vintage Nepalese wooden Shiva mask

This wooden mask was acquired in Kathmandu by a western traveller in the mid 90's. It represents the face of Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism.

Shiva's place in the pantheon of Hindu deities varies slightly from tradition to tradition. In many traditions he is seen as part of a trinity ('Trimurti') with the deities Brahma (Creation) and Vishnu (Preservation), where Shiva represents Destruction. In other traditions he alone represents all those dynamics and is thus seen as the Supreme Being.

Shiva is a god with many faces and aspects, both benevolent and fearsome, and is known by many different names that are associated with these different aspects. 

The roots of this Vedic god that is nowadays known as Shiva, probably go back much further than the veda's. In different regions in India there have been found pre-historic rock carvings that have been associated with him. But of course, as is the case with many of these ancient gods, his persona has developed over time through adaptation and assimilation with different tribes, cultures and traditions.

This wooden mask will be an eyecatching piece on the wall of your altar space, practice or living room. Sizes; approximately 31 centimeters high and 20 centimeters wide.

In very good condition. Only one available.