Himalayan Demon Mask 23 x 19cm (9 x 7.5 inches)

Antique Himalayan Demon Mask 23 x 19cm (9 x 7.5 inches)

An antique Himalayan Demon Mask from Nepal featuring carved fangs and teeth, carved facial hair around the mouth, pronounced nose, cheeks and eyebrows, stylized ears and a carved hair border to the top of the head.

The back of the mask is particularly interesting.  It is very shallow, almost flat…so a twisted coil of rag has been fastened to it to create a space for the wearer’s nose and to cushion his face.  Two holes have been carved into the nostrils to allow the wearer to breathe, and a length of fine plaited string (not shown) made from natural fibre is attached to the back to hold the mask onto the head.

This remarkable hardwood mask has considerable character and shows clear evidence of extensive use.   It is one of two stylistically similar masks collected in Nepal in the late 1980s and is in excellent condition, with a nice patina (Circa 1800s).