Anthropomorphic Mask With Angry Or Grimacing Face - Nepal, 19th-early 20th Century

Anthropomorphic mask with an angry or grimacing face - Nepal, 19th-early 20th centuryThis mask is carved from a natural form of wood, probably a root. Perhaps in order to materialize the spirit that lived inside the tree. The face is represented in a grotesque way with a disproportionate nose, reminiscent of an elephant's trunk. Deep dark patina. 23.5cm x 24.5cm PROVENANCE: Acquisition at auction ""Art of the peoples of the Himalayas" 10/07/2019 at Millon Artprecium (Paris) Ex private French collection LITERATURE AND MUSEUM: For masks carved from natural forms of wood, see: - Musée du quai Branly (Paris), mask Inventory number: 70.2003.1.11 https://www.quaibranly.fr/fr/explorer-les-collections/base/Work/action/show/notice/383701-masque-anthropomorphe- "Himalayan masks, Lanfranchi collection" (2017) by Renzo Freschi and Luciano LanfranchiMask page 22For masks with grimacing faces "Himalayan masks, Lanfranchi collection" (2017) by Renzo Freschi and Luciano LanfranchiSection 3 "grimacing masks" page 123 to 137