Carapace / Shell Folk Opera / Lhamo Decorated Mask, Tibet
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Tibetans love their folk operas. In fact, Tibetan folk opera dates back 1400 years! They call their operas Lhamo, meaning Sister Fairy. Operas reflect the Tibetan people’s lives at various periods. Lots of singing and dancing are involved in these operatic stories.
This particular mask is a turtle shell decorated with traditional metal pieces to form a face. Notice the typical metal skull faces that surround this mask. Date unknown but most likely mid- to late-1900’s. Very unique.
This item has been sold. Thanks. P. Z-B. !