A wonderful example of the ritual masks from Nepal's far West in the vicinity of Humla.  The masks are distinctive for the "top knot" style which reflects the hairstyle once commonly worn by men in that area.  Masks were used in dances to ward off evil spirits that would harm the crops, livestock and villagers, and also in rituals to celebrate the harvest season.  This area retains a strong animist inclination and powerful local gods are revered and communicated with via shamans, or Dhamis as they are known locally, who enter a state of possession where the the gods can speak through them.