Curiosity – Mask – Carved Wood – Himalayas, Nepal – Middle Hills – Primitive Art

Dating: Early 20th century Origin: Nepal – Himalayan ritual and folk tradition Wooden mask carved from a single block, representing a grimacing face, accentuated by a wide open mouth revealing the teeth. The marked brow ridges, the pierced almond-shaped eyes and the deep groove along the right cheek reinforce the dramatic dimension. This type of grimace, both menacing and caricatured, is found in Himalayan masks used to embody spirits, repel harmful forces or play comic roles in village shows and rituals. The internal sculpture reveals traces of manual digging. Two lateral fixing holes and a breathing hole confirm its functional use. The dark and lustrous patina results from long handling, repeated contact with the skin and the absorption of ritual smoke. Coming from the mid-hills region of Nepal, this mask illustrates a ritual craft less codified than that of the monasteries, favoring expressive and symbolic efficiency. Condition: Very good condition, even surface wear, stable structure. Dimensions: Height 25.5 cm Delivery: Exclusively via DHL, secure packaging, tracking and insurance.