Old Nepalese Shaman Mask – Himalayan Carved Wood Face

Old Nepalese shaman mask from the Himalayan Middle Hills

Dimensions: H 24 × W 19 cm
Weight: 200 g
Material: Wood
Period: Early to mid-20th century
Origin: Nepal, Himalayas / Middle Hills
Subject: Anthropomorphic face mask

Powerful vernacular carving

This Himalayan mask relies on an exceptionally economical vocabulary. Narrow pierced eyes, a small open mouth and a strongly projecting nose animate the broad oval face. The carving avoids ornamental detail, allowing the asymmetry and hand-worked planes of the wood to define its distinctive presence.

Nepalese shamanic context

The mask belongs stylistically to the vernacular and shamanic masking traditions associated with Nepal's Middle Hills. In the absence of documented collection history, it is not assigned to a specific Rai, Magar or Gurung community. This preserves the distinction between a defensible regional attribution and an undocumented ethnic provenance.

Surface and condition

The wood has developed a dark, weathered surface with abrasion, cuts and long-standing wear. Small perforations around the edge relate to an earlier attachment or wearing system. Historic losses are visible along the lower rim. The photographs document the front, reverse and profile in detail.

Each object is examined before it is offered: material, casting or carving technique, surface, and signs of age are compared with documented references. You will receive a certificate of authenticity and an official invoice detailing the period, material, and available provenance.

How we verify authenticity

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