This wood mask is a one of a kind mask, hand carved by the artists of Nepal.

This mask of 3 Mahakala figures is an attempt at representing the 3 Mahakala brothers with one sculpture. Buddhist text tells of the appearance of 3 Mahakala statues at 3 different monasteries at the same time. Mahakala or the "Great Black One" is thus credited with being the protector of Buddhist monasteries.

Although the 3 Mahakala brothers were stylistically and conceptually the same, they differ in the one aspect of their arms: one has six arms, another has four and the third has two arms. Mahakala figures bear heavy symbolism. In most Mahakala masks, it is difficult depicting all the essential symbolisms found on the Mahakala statues. This figure tries to depict more than usual by featuring three Mahakala heads.

The middle head is the most striking and it depicts Mahakala in his tradition pose as glaring and belligerent. The glaring denotes his displeasure with the state of human affairs; his bared teeth connotes readiness to battle his enemies. A crown of three skulls seen here, actually is a representation of the more complete crown of five skulls which represents the transmutation of the five commonest human vices to virtues (Ignorance, Pride, Attachment, Jealousy and Anger becomes the wisdoms of Reality, Sameness, Discernment, Accomplishment and Refection respectively).

The brows of raging fire on all heads represents Mahakala's powerful energy with which he consumes unwholesome states of the mind. The serpents on the top and bottom heads are metaphors in Mahakala's teaching of turning psychic energies and primordial instincts into facilitators of spiritual progress rather than its impediments.

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Height: 26 inches
Width: 7 inches
Depth: 3.5 inches
Weight: 2 pounds
Materials: Wood
Origin: Nepal

Hanging Instructions: There is a string attached to the back of the mask. It is ready for immediate hanging.

Care: Dust the piece as needed. You can use a wood cleaner to really make it shine.

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