Posted by admin On July 13, 2018
14 inches (35cm) tall x 9 inches (22cm) wide x 6 (15cm) in depth. Early 20th Century Indian, Ethnographic, used dance mask. My research suggests is a Rajbansi Tribe Raja Or Village Hero. Although, the cerebral palsy, sideways-lips makes me wonder if is a dual-meaning mask. It appears he is wearing a ribbed turban. Tons of character and use here. Multiple layers of old paint. Indian continues to be the least documented mask-cultures for some reason which is a shame. This one, coming from a much harder-to-reach jungle area than most if my assertions of origin are correct. The Island of Sri Lanka sits right below S. The influences are clear here. I have collected two others from this region and style over the years. I’d love to sell them as a family. I’d be happy to take off 20% off the group of three. Its also deeply carved, and over-sized as many masks from the Sri Lanka region typically are. Notable black painted beard at one point on the chin area. Patina on the back is heavy around the upper ends of the “rectangular area”, where the wearer once held the mask to their face. Deep dark patina on the back side bridge in the turban area from where the performer casual held the mask in a stand-by pose. The eye-cut-outs further reinforce any suspicions of this piece’s cultural accuracy. Bright, beautiful, and cosmetically stunning. The partially worn double red lines over the nose once were full half-moons, cuped, upside down. Hindu meaning is unknown to me. Piece once had bug activity. This item has since chilled in freezing temperatures in the Maine winter. I believe this region has now been included to UNESCO’s Intangible cultural assets list in 2009. Many of my other masks from my collection are for sale: Check out my other items. The item “RARELarge Antique/Early-Centurty Hindu Rajbansi Tribe Raja Or Village Hero Mask” is in sale since Monday, February 3, 2014. This item is in the category “Antiques\Asian Antiques\India”. The seller is “maskmonger” and is located in Freeport, Maine. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Color: White
- Type: Mask
- Primary Material: Wood
- Age: 1900-1940
- Region of Origin: India
- Original/Reproduction: Original
