CIRCA: 1920’s (or before?)
In the Tibetan Buddhist pantheon Mahakala* is a protective deity and his common function is as a protector of Tibetan Buddhism. This wooden hand carved black Mahakala mask from the early part of the 1900’s shows an enraged deity who protectively wards off negative influences and is worn, along with an elaborate colourful costume, on special occasions in ceremonial dances. The rich glossy patina was accomplished by liberal coatings of shellac, a naturally occurring resin that dries to a high-gloss sheen of outstanding properties. (This resin is secreted by the ‘lac bug’, an insect belonging to the same ‘family’ from which cochineal is obtained.) This is one of a pair – the other is ‘Masks Item 8‘ https://warpandweft.club/portfolio-item/masks-item-8/ a red Mahakala mask seen lower right above, were both acquired in Kathmandu in the early 1970’s from a Bhutanese couple that brought them with them as ‘generational family heirlooms’ when they earlier emigrated to Nepal from Bhutan, and has been in a private collection ever since. Ideally sold / kept as a pair, but can be sold separately.
*Mahakala is one of the most popular protector deities in Tibetan Buddhism. His black colour (or sometimes very dark blue) is said to absorb or dispel negative energy and his followers believe that he can help overcome ignorance, dispel obstacles and drive off negative energies. Other times he is also seen coloured red, which reflects his passionate and fiery protective nature.