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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

Southeast Asian, Oceanic & American Art

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Tribal sculptures statues carvings and figurines

Tribal art and objects

Asian art and objects

Sculpture

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Ancestor figure

Carved skull

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Rostrum on stand

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Country of origin

Indonesia

Thailand

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Asia

Solomon Islands

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Material

Wood

Bronze

Stone

Bone

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Palm

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Iron (cast/wrought)

Metal

Patinated bronze

Coromandel

Iron (wrought)

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Shell

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Gender

Unisex

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Condition

Good condition

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Hand carved

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Period

Late 20th century

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20th century

1990-2000

1970-1980

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2000-2010

1960-1970

1900-1910

1950-1960

2010-2020

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Late 19th century

British India Company (1600 – 1858)

Indian National Congress (1885 – 1905)

1980-1990

1910-1920

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Certification

Non-CITES species

No laboratory report

Subject

Female figures

Style

Folk Art

Antique

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Signature

Not signed

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Edition

1st Edition

Language

English

Colour

Brown

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1900-2000

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1400-1900

Culture

Dayak

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Indigenous object name

Wayang golèk

Buddha

Hampatong

Kèpèng

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Southeast Asian, Oceanic & American Art

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Tribal mask

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170 objects

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