{"product_id":"antiek-nepalees-sjamanistisch-yak-lederen-ritueel-masker","title":"Antique Nepalese Shamanic Yak Leather Ritual Mask – Gurung \/ Magar Tribe","description":"\u003c!-- Physical Dimensions \u0026 Status Badge --\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"buddha-product-dimensions-badge\" style=\"border: 1px solid #1a1a1a; padding: 15px 20px; margin-bottom: 30px; background-color: #fafafa;\"\u003e  \u003cp style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 600; letter-spacing: 2px; color: #888888; text-transform: uppercase;\"\u003ePhysical Dimensions \u0026amp; Status\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp style=\"margin: 8px 0 0 0; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; color: #1a1a1a; letter-spacing: 0.5px;\"\u003e    \u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24.5 cm  |     \u003cstrong\u003eWidth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15.0 cm  |     \u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e ca. 1920–1950  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c!-- Commercial Product Description --\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis authentic shamanic ritual mask (24.5 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e originates from the mountainous border regions of Nepal and is attributed to the Gurung or Magar culture. The mask is entirely handcrafted from thick yak leather, which was modeled over a simple wooden form when wet. Its organic asymmetry, deep smoke patina, and original yak hair give the object a powerful, almost monumental appearance. Due to its untouched condition, this mask is not only a special ethnographic collector's item but also an impressive artwork for an interior with character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr style=\"border: 0; border-top: 1px solid #eeeeee; margin: 30px 0;\"\u003e\u003c!-- Cultural Significance --\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCultural \u0026amp; Spiritual Significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eRitual masks have played an important role in the shamanic traditions of the Himalayas for centuries and are used during ceremonies focused on protection, healing, and communication with the spirit world.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShamanic Tradition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Within the Gurung and Magar communities, such masks were worn during rituals where shamans acted as mediators between the human and spiritual worlds.\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtective Symbolism:\u003c\/strong\u003e The powerful facial expression and expressive form served to ward off negative influences and invoke protective spirits.\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural Materials:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yak leather and yak hair were locally available materials that held an important place in Himalayan ritual culture due to their durability and spiritual significance.\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEthnographic Heritage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Today, authentic tribal masks are valued as important cultural objects that reflect the traditional way of life of the Himalayan peoples.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003chr style=\"border: 0; border-top: 1px solid #eeeeee; margin: 30px 0;\"\u003e\u003c!-- Material --\u003e\u003ch3\u003eMaterial \u0026amp; Craft Analysis\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHand-molded Yak Leather:\u003c\/strong\u003e The mask is crafted from thick yak leather, shaped wet over a wooden mold, preserving its natural asymmetry and characteristic skin texture.\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal Smoke Patina:\u003c\/strong\u003e The deep dark brown to black discoloration is caused by long-term exposure to wood smoke and hearth fires, an authentic feature of traditional Himalayan households.\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal Yak Hair:\u003c\/strong\u003e The tufts of hair are anchored directly into the leather using traditional techniques and form an integral part of the original design.\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthentic Construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e The interior shows the natural flesh side of the hide without modern reinforcements, synthetic glues, or restorations, thus fully preserving its original character.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003chr style=\"border: 0; border-top: 1px solid #eeeeee; margin: 30px 0;\"\u003e\u003c!-- Product Specifications --\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWidth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15.0 cm\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nepal (Gurung \/ Magar cultural area)\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Early to mid-20th century (ca. 1920–1950)\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thick smoked yak leather with natural yak hair\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTechnique:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-molded over a wooden form\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCulture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shamanic Himalayan tradition\u003c\/li\u003e  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent authentic tribal condition without modern restorations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"1stbuddha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57611512578379,"sku":"667","price":431.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1012\/6170\/5547\/files\/antiek-nepalees-sjamanistisch-yak-lederen-ritueel-masker-1_3.jpg?v=1781782078","url":"https:\/\/1stbuddha.com\/products\/antique-nepalese-shamanistic-yak-leather-ritual-mask","provider":"1stbuddha","version":"1.0","type":"link"}