My first trip to Nepal shattered many of my preconceived notions. I had expected a more rural and traditional environment, but what I found instead was a densely populated city, full of chaotic traffic, constant noise, and a rhythm that never slows down. Kathmandu is anything but quiet. It’s a city where motorbikes weave through streets with no apparent rules, vendors set up wherever space allows, and pedestrians navigate narrow alleyways without traffic lights or sidewalks. What does stand out immediately, though, is the ever-present spiritual atmosphere: small temples, statues of Hindu and Buddhist deities, and the constant scent of incense all form part of the urban landscape. One of…
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Why Does My Nepalese Mask Have a Red Wax Seal?
If you’ve ever acquired an authentic Nepalese mask, you may have noticed a small red wax seal affixed to the back. This seal is not just a random mark—it serves an important purpose in verifying the legal export of the mask from Nepal. But what does it really mean, and does it confirm the mask’s authenticity? Let’s take a closer look. Export Approval & Tax Compliance – The red wax seal indicates that the mask has been legally inspected and cleared for export. This practice began in the mid-20th century when Nepalese customs started taxing folk art and ethnographic artifacts destined for sale to tourists and collectors. The seal ensured…
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Mahakala: The Multifaceted Protector Deity in Art and Ritual
In the rich and colorful mosaic of Eastern religious traditions, Mahakala emerges as a particularly compelling and revered figure. Celebrated in both Buddhism and Hinduism, he stands as a powerful guardian and protector, embodying the spiritual resilience needed to overcome evil and hardship. The intricate symbolism associated with Mahakala and his vital role in religious ceremonies underscore his significance not merely as a protector but also as a guide navigating devotees through the spiritual and worldly challenges they encounter. In Tibetan Buddhism, Mahakala is celebrated as a Dharmapala, or a protector of dharma. This role sees him depicted in a variety of wrathful forms, each designed to ward off the…
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Nepalese Buddhist Mask
Q: I bought this mask online last week and paid less than $100 for it. The seller described the mask as African . I have a fairly large collection of African masks so I knew that was incorrect. I supposed it to be from somewhere in the Himalayan region. It has obvious wear and some damage which has been repaired. Has red wax seal on back. – Ken
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India Monkey Mask
I think this mask came from the 1964 NY World Fair and it’s made of papier-mâché.
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Repro of old India mask
Q: I recently bought this mask (or wall art) from a auction and I don’t know anything about it. It looks old. If you could tell me who it is supposed to be and what region it comes from I would be pleased. John, 1824 A: You made a good find, if you didn’t pay too much. It is highly detailed and very entertaining. I think it is Indian, but am not sure. Let’s hope some of our viewers can help us with that. What I can tell you is that it was made by a talented carver for commercial purposes. This kind of business now is growing all…
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Finding valuable masks is hard.
Q: I saw this at an antique store in Iowa. I’m curious, is it a valuable find? Ashley, 1806 A: It’s difficult for collectors as well as antique dealers to estimate the value of masks. The label on the side of this one says “tribal mask from the Philippines.” Actually, it’s from the Middle Highlands of Nepal in the Himalayas. That’s a bad start, but you managed to contact me. Now we can deal with age and authenticity. It would have been helpful if you had also sent scans of the side and rear views. Fortunately, your photo is hi-res, well lit and focused… and I have some knowledge of…
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Large, old Nepali mask
Q: Acquired this mask in Kerala, India, in the back warehouse of an antiques dealer. I found it highly unusual, as it features 2 Bhairavs (the wrathful manifestation of Shiva ) topped with a carving of the Goddess Kali. I’ve seen many Bhairav masks, as well as double or triple Bhairav masks, but never with Kali at the crown. Undoubtedly Nepali, though I am unsure of the full meaning behind this combination. When I found it it was grey, but after some cleaning it revealed the two lower Bhairavs were red and blue. It is a large mask, measuring 30” X 16” X 7” deep. David, 1798 A: Thank you…
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Valuable Kolam mask
Q: I had had this mask for over 35 years. My mother-in-law gave it to me from the estate of her mother-in-law, if I remember correctly. She said it was quite old when she gave it to me 35 years ago. She thought it was a Korean mask, but she was unsure of its provenance and how or when it was acquired. Her mother in law was a interior designer from the 1930’s or so, from Santa Rosa, CA, but she traveled the world, so it could have come from anywhere. Catherine, 1771 A: This is a Kolam mask from Sri Lanka, the largest island in the Indian Ocean. The…
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Chhau masks are used by millions
Collectors, galleries and museums are just beginning to discover the importance of this Indian folk art. Chhau has long been very popular. For years the people of Purulia in West Bengal have been making masks used in the Chhau dance — a semi-classical tribal dance of eastern India listed by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as intangible cultural heritage of humanity. You might want to take a look at what we posted Feb 25, 2019:https://dev.masksoftheworld.com/chhau-mask-from-purulia-india/ There are many different characters in the Chhau ceremonies. On this page we have three: a lion, the goddess Durga and a male demon. The pandemic that now plagues the entire world…
