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Detail Photos

This antique mask from Eastern Nepal has evolved a beautiful surface patina.  Masks that show such obvious age are not easy to come by.  It has interesting traits such as the metal sheet inset in the eyes that has practically merged with the wood over the years.  It is a stunning, high caliber piece.  On the detail shot accessed from the link above – one shot, a surface detail was taken in direct sunlight and the patina really jumps out in dramatic fashion.

While at this point it is impossible to say with certainty, this is most probably the face worn by a clown character in some archaic village rites.  This genre of masked entertainer - though appearing with unique visage in every case, seems to be a standard fixture in what can other wise be a varying cast of characters in provincial masquerades across the Himalaya. A broad cross section of "jaats" or tribes, as well as rituals with  varying orientations of faith - be it Hindu, Buddhist, Shamano-animist or some amalgamation of these, employ the clown entertainer as a component in masked ritual.