A Himalayan Monk’s Mask for Royal Rituals

The masked dances of Himalayan Buddhist monks are fascinating and since 2011, I’ve watched them on four different occasions in various monasteries (Kalimpong, Matho, Stok, Jokhang-Leh ).

The Chamms dances I saw required the use of specific masks made of a specific type of Papier mache and wood. But I’d never seen a mask made of copper or metal.

So this one – The Zhang Bak – was new to me.

Made with great detail in metal, it is worn by monks specifically for royal ceremonies

Here is a video of the Zhang Bak being worn at a royal family condolence meet in which the visiting guest monks have worn this type of mask:

Not very clear but enough to offer us some understanding!

So just when I  thought I’d seen everything, along comes this rare and unusual mask to wake me up from my complacence!

What a limitless field we work in!

More photos of Asset 1399 coming soon on WOVENSOULS.COM

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jm

July 2019