A large and highly expressive hardwood Himalayan mask from the Nepal middle hills region. This is an object which floats in the space between the seen and unseen world, its expression and intent as mysterious as the Mona Lisa. Large cheekbones, eyes retraced with unusual circular motifs, remnants of horsehair at eyebrown, upper lip and chin. Glossy patina highlights, great adzing marks on recto. Good conditions with stable age cracks, and a small area of loss at mouth. Circa late 19th/early 20th century.
Himalayan masks, long underappreciated, are now being recognized as on par with the masking traditions of Africa. A rare piece. Mounted on a custom museum stand.
13in. x 9in. // 33cm. x 23cm.