Himalayan Art Resources

Sculpture: Masks (Private 1)

Masks: Private 1 | Masks Main Page

Masks are used in Hinduism, Buddhism, Bon and tribal communities of the Himalayas. Their primary function is for use in religious and theatrical dance. Tribal groups use masks in shamanistic healing and exorcism rituals. There is a difference between dance masks and shrine masks. The latter are representations of deities and the mask is kept on the shrine in a similar manner to a sculpture.

Jeff Watt [updated 2-2019]

(For additional information on masks see Demons and Deities: Masks of the Himalayas by Thomas Murray).