Description
Rare vintage Mahakala mask. Hand hammered construction from the back. The face and headdress are jeweled with coral and blue beads, and the eyes are carved from bone. Holes were cut into the bone and a round of onyx forms each pupil. The teeth are made of a white stone, maybe jade or quartz. The mask is 9″ tall by 7″ wide and approximately 1″ at the deepest point. There is a ring in the top for hanging. This mask is in excellent condition. Please review the pics for condition. One of a kind.
Mahakala is a tantric Buddhist deity of Vajrayana tradition. One of the most important Dharmapala or protector of dharma, and considered to be the wrathful and fierce emanation of Avalokiteshvara and Cakrasaṃvara.
The common element of the masks of Mahakala are the five skulls on his crown. They symbol the transmutation of the five “kleshas” (negative emotions) into the five wisdom. His third eye denotes him as a protector; three orbs of vision express his ability to see the past, present and future. His face frightens bad spirits away from the place he protects. As well as keep away negative energy, bad thoughts and wrong actions.
Originally Tibetans use the face of Mahakala for protection. They were a nomadic people, living in tents and moving all the time. He is “Lord of the Tent”. The mask of his face frequently hangs on more permanent walls in the temples and households now.
Dimensions: 1″ x 7″ x 9″
*Vintage piece. Sell in used, pre-owned condition. Vintage and antique items by nature have variable amounts of wear, imperfections, signs of use, age and time. Perfectly imperfect. Condition shown as in pictures. Kindly contact us if you need more info. or detail pictures.
