Nepalese Grinning Dance Mask – Himalayan Folk Art, circa 1975

Description

Vintage Nepalese Grinning Dance Mask

A highly expressive Nepalese folk mask carved from wood and decorated with an aged polychrome surface.

The mask probably represents a grotesque or comic character associated with the popular theatre, masked dances or village festivals of the Himalayan region.

Its dramatically exaggerated face features two strongly protruding eyes, a prominent nose and a broad smiling mouth displaying a complete row of teeth. The result is simultaneously humorous, unsettling and visually powerful.

The old polychrome decoration combines predominantly black and blue-green tones with white details around the eyes and traces of deep red around the mouth. Natural rubbing, fading and losses to the painted surface have created a particularly attractive patina.

The back has been deeply hollowed to accommodate the wearer’s face. Narrow openings beneath the protruding eyes provided visibility, while the rectangular lateral openings may have been used to secure the mask during performances.

The mask comes from an old collection devoted to objects of this type.

Details

• Country: Nepal

• Region: Himalayan area

• Subject: grotesque or comic character

• Type: festival, theatre or dance mask

• Material: carved and painted wood

• Date: circa 1975

• Height: 21 cm

• Width: 15.5 cm

• Weight: 272 g

Condition

The back of the head has suffered an old break with an associated loss and a previous restoration. This damaged area is not normally visible when the mask is displayed frontally or hung decoratively on a wall.

Further age-related wear includes rubbing, scratches, small holes and losses to the polychrome decoration. These traces are consistent with the object’s age and history and contribute to its distinctive patina.

The mask remains solid and highly decorative. Please examine all photographs carefully, particularly the detailed images of the back, as they form an integral part of the condition description.