Shamanic mask

Rare shamanic mask of the animist Bon religion, (Magar, Gurung, Limbu, Raï populations, Tharu, Tamang, Terai... ) of Nepal.

Obtained from a piece of root of a very hard wood plant, after a specific ritual, these are  worn ritually to scare away evil spirits, or more easily hung near doors and windows as they were considered benevolent deities incarnate or representatives of the ancestors and therefore, protectors of the home and family.

Also used during invocation ceremonies by shamans as they are useful as protection against the magical powers of evil.

The mask is in excellent condition, of hard consistency, the workmanship was only to make two holes to "open the eyes" of the mask and two other small ones on the sides useful for being worn but mainly hung, after which appropriate consecrating rituals make it a magical object.

The appearance is disturbing but definitely fascinating and of great apotropaic power. 

References Pannier, F. (ed.), Masks of the Himalayas, 5 Continents, 2009.

Private collection from Turin, purchased locally between the 1950s and 1960s by a collector.

Sold to the Galleria "Arkana" Turin in the 2000s

Acquired by the Multiethnic and Antique Gallery "Arkadia Gallery"  Turin in 2019