Q: I acquired this mask from a Nepali in India. It is a decorative mask, but very beautiful. I have not encountered another Kali mask like this one. It is hand-carved and hand-painted, and measures roughly 32″ from top to bottom. David, 1710 A: Two years ago (3/26/2018) we posted two traditional Kali masks from the last century. We know that art is beginning to go out of style, but there are still places where masquerade continues to thrive. Many are in India. David has sent a fine example, and I found two others on Google. As folk art continues, notice that it evolves with newer designs and materials. These…

Q: This mask was acquired from Himachal Pradesh, India, from the granddaughter of the Tibetan man who collected it. It was acquired by him more than 60 years ago, allegedly in Tibet. It is certainly a Himalayan mask, though whether it comes from Tibet or Nepal I’m unsure. It resembles some Magar shamanic masks, but it might also be a Cham mask, of a comic ancillary character that performs between dance routines. I lean towards the former. But any commentary is welcome. The mask is made of wood and very old. The hair on the scalp might be human or yak. David, 1697 A: The mask I posted for you…

Q: This mask was acquired in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is made of very light-weight wood, and has two cracks that have been repaired. It looks to be from somewhere in the Indian Himalayas, likely Himachal or Uttarakhand, but I’m not sure exactly where, or for what purpose the mask was made. It might be related to Faguli. David, 1696 A: Here is what Wikipedia says: The traditional dances of Himachal Pradesh are varied and complicated. These dances are a vital part of tribal life. It reflects the culture and the tradition of Himachal. Hardly any festivity there is celebrated without dancing. Dance forms such as Nati are performed all…

Q: I recently acquired 4 masks from a tiny antique shop in Mcleod Ganj, India. The woman selling them didn’t have much of an idea about them. She claimed they were collected by her grandfather, in Tibet. My wife speaks is Tibetan and spoke with her about them. She said she had around 300 to begin with, but now all were gone save a few. I would like to send you all four of those I purchase. The first here I paid USD$40. David, 1674 A: This is a carved wood mask to be used for Buddhist ritual dance in Nepal or Southern Tibet. It may have been worn a…

Q: Sending pictures. It’s probably not valuable, but it is very unique. I look forward to hearing back from you. Vicky, 1666 A: Garuda is the bird god, an important character in both Buddhist and Hindu mythologies. It is based on huge eagle who rules the sun and skies. He can capture anything he wants with his powerful claws. Wearing these masks costumed dancers perform religious ceremonies in several Asian countries. Your papier mache mask is good looking and traditional in style. I’m guessing the height is about one foot. It could have been used, but was likely made for tourists and collectors. Could you share with us in the…

Here is one of my favorite Citipati masks. As you know the are made as pairs, the male and the female which are often difficult to differentiate. It is essential that the soul be able to laugh the frightening prospect of the hereafter and so, in their wisdom, monks turn dancing skeletons into clowns for comic relief at great masked performances. I was lucky enough to manage to buy it at auction about 18 months ago. I paid less than half what I believe the mask to be worth. As you know, Himalayan masks have become very expensive, and Citipati masks are among the most favored by collectors. The mask…

Q: I have a nice old mask that I’m not sure of origin. I have an idea that it comes from Timor, but something also pointing in the direction of Himalaya. What do Mask of the world think? I hope you can and will help. Thanks in advance! Data: High 24cm. wide 15cm. depth 10 cm. Hardwood and hair. Looks like human hair, but not sure. Provenance: I bought a collection of old Greenlandic artifacts, which included this. Jan, 1623 A: The appearance of Timorese masks is sometimes confused with old Himalayan examples. With the hair and black, shiny color of the mask, I’ll go with rural Nepal or someplace…

Yes, I am upset by the dearth of information on Indian masks. I promise to stop posting them unless they are sent in by a viewer. You probably won’t see many from India in the future. The first mask here was marked as coming from Arunachal Pradesh, without any additional info. There was nothing about the second one. If some of my viewers would take the time to research this subject, it would be nice to get a comment. 1612