Himalayan Kali Mask – Wood – India

Unique Himalayan Kali mask. Powerfull wooden mask with stylistic coiffure from India. In good condition with traces of wear and tear.

The masks of the goddess Kali from the Terai region of Nepal, used by the Rajbansi people, are an example of Himalayan folk and tribal art, artifacts deeply rooted in both the ritual and cultural practices of the southern Terai plains, and which reflect both religious devotion and local artistic traditions.

The mask represents the Hindu deity Kali, in local mythology and traditional iconography Kali is often depicted with a black/dark blue face, with a protruding tongue and a ferocious expression, symbolizing the destruction of evil and the protection of devotees.

The Kali mask is used in ceremonial dances and narrative performances during festivals and dramatic reenactments of Hindu epics from the Mahabharata and Ramayana cycles. The neighboring Rajbansi and Tharu communities use these masks in dances that invoke the goddess Kali to obtain blessings, protection, and ward off evil spirits.

Provenance: former private collection from Germany.