**First Time At Auction**

Central Asia, Nepal, ca. early 20th century CE. Hand-carved from wood, this is a striking mask presenting a bold visage with expressive abstract features such as rectangular openwork eyes, a long straight nose, an open mouth with lips pursed as if whistling or singing, and a protruding round chin on a full-cheeked, bright red-complexioned face that is surrounded by a coiffure incised with a cross-hatched pattern. The mask is pierced for suspension at the top and the sides. The Himalayan mask tradition is not as well known as those from Africa or Southeastern Asia, and today some of the original information has been lost due to fading oral traditions. Masks like this one relate to indigenous, animist traditions that developed in the harsh, wild environment of the Himalayas, and so they are often representations of local spirits. They were made to be worn in masquerades, glimpsed through light from lamps burning butter as oil. Size: 6.125" L x 5.125" W (15.6 cm x 13 cm)

Provenance: ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA acquired prior to 1970

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#130702

Traces of periwinkle blue paint on the forehead. Age crack, old losses, and nice patina commensurate with age and use.