Dance mask of a bearded man

MediumWood, animal hide with hair, iron nails, metallic foil-covered paper

DimensionsApprox. (including beard): 13 1/2 × 6 1/2 × 3 1/2 inches (34.3 × 16.5 × 8.9 cm)

CultureNepalese

ClassificationsArtifacts

Credit LineGift of Amyas Naegele, Class of 1978, and Eve Glasberg

Terms

Artifacts
Wood
Iron
Hide
Hair
Paper
Masks
Beards
Nepalese

Object number2007.089.007

Label CopyThis mask is thought to originate from a remote village of Nepal’s middle mountain ranges. Differing in appearance from the Himalayan masks associated with Tantric Buddhism and Cham dances, masks such as this were worn by clown and buffoon characters in mimes performed during New Year, or at other seasonal celebrations such as those of the harvest festival. The rather bawdy performances involving these characters generate much laughter among the crowds, and also serve to scare away evil spirits.

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