A few days ago I posted a very nice Buddhist demon mask from Nepal. Here is one from a tribal group that resides in the Middle Hills region of rural Nepal and is much different. It would be used for shamanistic purposes and is carved in a primitive way. Paint is rarely used, and because it is stored hanging from the ceiling of a smoke-filled hut, has turned a greasy, dark brown. Even though it is very crude, masks like this have a strong appeal. There are several books on masks from the Middle Hills.
Part of the charm of this mask is the way it has aged. Please enlarge the front and back photos and study them carefully. This is an authentic old, used mask. Most of the tribal masks one sees at auctions and thrift shops have been artificially aged. Bob, 1211
