Interiors & Decorations

Jewellery & Precious Stones

Watches, Pens & Lighters

Fashion

Coins & Stamps

Comics & Animation

Classic Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia

Wine, Whisky & Spirits

Asian & Tribal Art

Trading Cards

Toys & Models

Archaeology & Natural History

Sports

Music, Movies & Cameras

Books & Historical Memorabilia

Large ancient shamanic mask from the Bon animist religion (Magar, Gurung, Limbu, Raï, Tharu, Tamang, Terai peoples), Nepal.

This mask is made from a fungus that grows on a local tree, the Lingzhi mushroom (Ganoderma Lucidum). This fungus is slightly worked to give it a human appearance with strong apotropaic value: these masks are worn ritually to frighten evil spirits, or hung near doors and windows being considered benevolent deities incarnate or representatives of the ancestors, therefore protectors of the house and the family. It is also used during shaman invocation ceremonies as useful protection against the magical powers of evil.

The mask is in excellent condition. It is of hard consistency with three original holes on the sides and in the top to allow wearing or hanging on walls.

The appearance is disturbing but definitely fascinating and of great strength.

References: Pannier, F. (ed.), Himalayan Masks, 5 Continents, 2009.

Provenance: bought in situ on a field trip in 2019 / 2020

Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

Tribal mask (1) - Nepal - 1970-1980

Southeast Asian, Oceanic & American Art

Reserve price

No reserve price

Buy now

Closing date

4 March

Tuesday

Sunday

Budget

From

Location

The Netherlands

Germany

France

Italy

Belgium

Spain

Singapore

Switzerland

Denmark

Poland

Dimensions

Height

Width

Depth

Object

Tribal sculptures statues carvings and figurines

Tribal art and objects

Sculpture

Tribal masks

Asian art and objects

Statue

Asian sculptures statues carvings and figurines

Figure

Doll

Carving

Dagger

Sabre

Decorative ornament

Tribal weaponry and shields

Asian books manuscripts and catalogues

Asian jewellery and adornments

Asian prints paintings and scrolls

Asian masks

Amulet

Ancestor figure

Dish

Skull

Pipe

Perfume bottle

Country of origin

Indonesia

Nepal

Papua New Guinea

Thailand

Asia

Cambodia

Myanmar

North America

U.S.

Myanmar/Burma

Mexico

Oceania

Netherlands

Canada

India

Malaysia

Philippines

Guatemala

Material

Wood

Bronze

Stone

Bamboo

Bone

Leather

Brass

Sandstone

Palm

Silver

Iron (cast/wrought)

Terracotta

Iron (wrought)

Goat skin

Gold-plated

Yellow gold

Copper

Stone (mineral stone)

Textiles

Paper

Patinated bronze

Silvered bronze

Steel (Damascus)

Coromandel

Satinwood

Gender

Unisex

Condition

Good condition

Excellent condition

Fair condition

Good

Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear

Fair

Good condition - used with small signs of ageing

As new - unused

Very good condition - slightly used with small signs of wear

Fair condition -  heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing

Needs restoration

As new

Excellent

Excellent condition - barely used with minimal signs of wear

Good condition - used with some signs of wear

Fair condition - used with visible signs of wear

Extras

In replacement packaging

Period

Late 20th century

20th century

Early 20th century

1950-1960

1970-1980

1990-2000

2000-2010

1960-1970

2020+

21st century

Mid 20th century

Late 19th century

British India Company (1600 – 1858)

Indian National Congress (1885 – 1905)

1980-1990

1910-1920

1920-1930

2010-2020

1850-1900

Early 19th century

Blood Coral

Certification

No laboratory report

Non-CITES species

Fineness

19.2 kt.

Subject

Religion

Style

Antique

Folk Art

Art Deco

Vintage

Signature

Not signed

Original

Signed

In the style of

Hand signed

Plate signed

Edition

1st Edition

Language

English

Colour

Black

Brown

White

Gold

Blue

Beige

Culture

Kachina

Dayak

Aztec culture

Abelam

Batak

Hopi

Indigenous object name

Buddha

Tapa

Hampatong

Wayang golèk

Wayang kulit

Loro blonyo

Anadeo

Southeast Asian, Oceanic & American Art

This object is no longer available, but there’s still lots to explore

Tribal mask (1) - Nepal - 1970-1980

Popular in Southeast Asian, Oceanic & American Art

175 objects

Related collections