This face, framed by a radiant hairstyle, exudes an expressive force that reinforces the fretted and jagged treatment of the eyebrows, moustache and beard, in a typical way of the early seventeenth century. The third frontal eye identifies this figure of Bhairava as the fierce manifestation of Shiva. His headdress is punctuated with jewels accented with bluestone medallions, and his pierced-lobed ears probably bore finery of precious material. With its intricate, delicate and refined ornamentation, this piece is characteristic of the art of the Newari population of the Kathmandu Valley.
His copper work uses techniques as varied as sculpture, hammering, repoussé, inlay and polychromy. During the festivities of the Pachali Bhairabjatra, and the Indrajatra that take place at the end of September in the city of Kathmandu, masks of the Hindu god Bhairava are arranged in front of temples and private houses. From these figures of divinity, which are never worn by dancers, come out streams of beer and rice alcohol drunk by the devotees. Beer and wine are considered prasad or “gift” of this god. These pieces can also be terracotta or wood and in some cases reach quite large sizes.
The Newars inherited the culture, artistic influence and religion of India. The masks are an extension of their statuary production, which spread widely throughout the Himalayas.
Details
- Title : Mask of Bhairava
- Year : Late sixteenth, early seventeenth century
- Classification : Sculpture
- Medium : Golden copper and inlaid
- Dimension : 82 x 80 cm
- Accession No : MA 5941
- Country/ Geo-location : Nepal
- Collection : The Guimet Museum of Asian Art