Lot 291: A Superb Wooden Dance Mask of Yama, Lord of the Underworld from Bhutan, Nepal or Tibet, probably 19th Century

A Superb Wooden Dance Mask of Yama, Lord of the Underworld; Bhutan, Nepal or Tibet, Probably 19th Century, the finely carved a very thin walled mask depicting the bull headed Lord Yama with open mouth and barred teeth and tongue, the snout delicately carved with aggressive flaring nostrils. The eyes are rounded and bulging, the eyebrows carefully rendered with 'curling fire' motifs. The surface of the mask has numerous pigmented layers of reds, and there are small holes from insect depredation in antiquity. The rear of the temples have cutouts where actual bovine horns would have been inset when the mask was danced. The interior is well worn and very finely carved with remains of a Nepalese Antiquities Department seal. A powerful and exceptionally well carved example in classical Himalayan style. Minor flaking, some scuffing, age appropriate small cracks and wear. On a custom mount.

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