Bhairava Mask In Bronze.

Imposing Bhairava mask in bronze/copper alloy, Nepal, circa 1900. Manifestation of the wrathful form of Shiva, it indicates the phenomenal existence that must be overcome. The rendering of details is executed with care, large bulging eyes under furrowed eyebrows centered by the third eye on the forehead, flamboyant hair with lotus decorations, wearing a necklace and earrings in the shape of snakes. Newari masks such as this one were never worn but used during a festival dedicated to Indra, the “Indra Jatra”: A pot of beer or alcohol was placed behind each mask and then poured out through with the open mouth of the divinity, the beverage was consumed by the faithful. The custom of drinking as part of the Indra festival is unique to Nepal, and these large mask-shaped sculptures are unique to Nepalese culture. Bhairava is also known as the one who destroys fear or the one who is beyond fear. He protects his followers from their enemies, from greed, lust and anger. Another interpretation of Bhairava is that he is the one who creates, sustains and dissolves the three stages of life, therefore he becomes the ultimate, the supreme. He is revered throughout India, Nepal, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Japan as well as in Tibetan Buddhism. H 36 cm x L 36 cm x H 11 cm Weight 5.4 KG Provenance: Estate of the art dealer and collector Claude de Marteau. www.thecdmcollection.be Sold with certificate of provenance.