Catalog: Vintage Arts: Regional Art (192)

Old mask carved in a very hard wood depicting a benevolent expression face covered with a beautiful and thick black patina. Not remains of animal hairs or horsehair that represented the hairiness of the eyebrows, moustache and chin. Three nails on the forehead were supposed to retain a fragment of leather. The symmetry of the sculpture gives it a smoothing presence. Probably from Western Nepal and the Magar ethnic group. Age is important at least early 20th century H 25 cm n Width 14 cm,

Among the Naga, the libation is a religious ritual to offer a drink (milk, alcohol, ...) to a deity. The Naga tribes are located in East India, district of Aranuchal Praddesh, these areas have remained in a great isolation until at the end of the 20 th century These horns come from large wild bovids "Bos frontalis" locally called "gayal or even "mithan"...

Black old patina mask likely from Magar people from South Nepal district of Hetauda. Note a large nose, large ears, the mouth is open and showing teeth which are precisely carved. Very hard wood, good condition, age could be from for eraly to mid 20th H 24/25 cm , wide 16 cm

Important and rather rare ancient statue from West Nepal (Karnali River districts but possibly Jumla region). The statue shows a protector standing with his hands folded in the ritual gesture of Namaste. Note the treatment of the arms showing a rounded rather than angular elbow joint. The eye openings are diamond-shaped. Semi-hard wood with black patina with residual plaster of offerings and mineral plasters which have either been cleaned or lost over time...

A nice and old primitive figure from West Nepal ( upper karnali river districts) figuring an ancestor in ritual gesture of Namaste, its legs are slightly bent. The representation of the head is done in a minimal style the eyes are round, the mouth is small and rectangular, the ears are outlined.This statue is carved from a hardwood and shows a very old patina of weathered wood with old traces of xylophagous insects...

A Nice old mask possibly figuring a "Raktsatsa" Note the carved horns on top on the head, very nice black and glossy soot patina, hard wood, obvious signs of important use at least from the early 20t, circa 100 years. From Central West Nepal, likely Rukum district. H 22 cm x 16 cm

This mask or may be an effigie as the back is flat likely represnts a raktsatsa ( which means devil or bad spirit). Indeed this might not be a mask weared by people but rather an effigie posted on an entrance either a door or a window as the back is flat. This piece is very old with a local repair, carved in semi hard wood, at least around 100 y , large size H 38 cm , wide 25 cm. From East central central, district of Rameschap,likely from Tamang of Brahman people.

This type of phurba shows tall, single or twin riders. They all seem to originate from Langtang District and are attributed to the Tamang people. The iconography of the Hayagriva horse is often found in Buddhist iconography. Here, the horses have riders who are the shamans; the mythical horse with its supernatural power will allow the shaman to move around the dangerous invisible world of demons and other evil spirits...

The lower part is a small closing storage cabinet with a door, the upper part is supported by 2 elephants and has a flat part where cult objects or flowers could be placed, in front is a deeply carved ovoid plate in front...

Old flat face mask showing a superb black soot patina, the vision of this face gives an impression of softness Small mouth with a discreet opening some old traces of glittering paper which has been glued around the yeyx and the mouth. obvious sign of long use possibly from 19th. H25 cm x 16 cm/

This is the top part of a longuer pole fixed on bridge for protection of travellers. Although the carving is rought one can distinguish the minimal face either of a local deityor or also possible of the Sun. Age is circa mid 20th as it is already in my collection since 1992, good condition it is based on an old piece of wood which can be removed. H 40 cm,

This mask expresses the harshness of the uncomfortable life in isolated districts. Wood is extremely hard probably from teak tree showing an amber to reddish color. The eyes, however, have been the subject of special work, the toothless mouth is opened to show a the tip of the tongue. This mask comes of the district of Humla H24 cm x 17 cm

A simple design paired with a harmonious and powerful symmetry with the rectangular shapes of the eyes and mouth, this mask exemplifies the design of many Himalayan masks. Very hard wood blackened by smoke with irregular deposits of soot. This mask comes from Eastern Nepal. Obvious signs of good aging circa mid 20th H24.5 cm, 15 cm

Monkey mask are no so commun among tribal himalayan mask. very hard and heavy wood and rough design, long hairs likely from cow or horse have been use to figure the barb and mustaches nailed on a ruber piece. Tis mask is coming from the Middle West district of Salyan. Mid 20th, H 28 cm

Very old mask with black soot patina representing a demon or Raktsatsa which is the local name. We can notice the very high quality of sculpture which is a sign of a grade of seniority, at least early 20th century. The mouth is wide open with menacing teeth to accentuate the frightening aspect. It is probable that the shivaite trident improperly engraved on the forehead is posterior to the sculpture of the hardwood mask in excellent condition. H 21 cm

Mask likely figuring a demon (local name is Raktsatsa) metal teeth have been nailed, with two long teeth on each side of the mouth. Hard wood, veru carefukky carved, very nice old patina with traces of white pigment and glue.Obvious sign of age, circa early 20th. H 28 cm, wide 19 cm More information on requestion

The top shows 3 ancestors flat faces who are protectors of the family, they are surmounted by a conical crown with carved geometrical lines. The middle part is a “Dorgi”, the symbol of cosmic power. The down part is triangular blade with an intelace of snakes, used as a knife to nail the bad spirits while the shaman is fighting with devils and demons. The white cloth strips wrapped around the middle part are to protect the shaman hands against the high energy during his fight...

The top shows 3 ancestors faces who are protectors of the family, they are surmounted by a conical crown with carved geometrical lines. The middle part is a “Dorgi”, the symbol of cosmic power. The down part is triangular blade used as a knife to nail the bad spirits while the shaman is fighting with devils and demons. TThe red cloth strips wrapped around the middle part are to protect the shaman hands against the high energy during his fight. Obvious signs of ancient use, circa early 20th...