Blue lion mask

Animal masks are part of the paraphernalia of Tibetan religious dances. Festival dances, performed by monks, are accompanied by cymbals and drums. People come from near and far to enjoy the spectacle. This mask represents the wrathful blue lion, a mythical animal that is said to ward off evil. Its wrathful aspect is emphasized by bulging eyes, a gaping jaw, and bared fangs. This example was carved from soft wood, then gessoed and painted. A number of holes were drilled around the edge for the attachment of a headdress. On top of the ask is a drilled protuberance, probably for inserting a finial ornament.