Rare Old Tharu Exorcist / Shaman Mask. Himalayas. Nepal
Click the photo above for a larger version and more pictures
From the Tharu people who reside in the southern foothills of the Himalayas in the Terai Region of Nepal. This mask was used in religious festivals, rituals and exorcisms.
The padding in the inside allows the mask to be worn on the face or top of head . . . a Shaman could wear two masks at the same time.
Deeply carved out of Bodhi wood (aka “peepal”), a sacred tree of the Tharu animists . . . and most Buddhists.
The “teeth” are very dense and are most likely yak teeth. The yak hair is very course. Metal work around eyes have small barbs / teeth on two edges (see photo). Rolled face padding and a cord to secure to the head are shown.
Stand not included. For the Serious Collector.
This exotic mask has sold. Thanks. T.G.