Wall Decoration Rare Antique Hammered Metal Shaman Mask – Himalayan Region – ca. 1900
Rated 5.0 out of 5.€395,00
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Rare Antique Hammered Metal Shaman Mask (Tin/Zinc Alloy) – Himalayan Region – ca. 1900
Specifications: Artisan Hand-Bhammered Sheet Metal | Mounting Holes All Around | Exclusive Metal Ethnographica
An exceptional and extremely rare discovery within the international art trade: a legitimate antique, hand-beaten metal shaman mask (crafted from an early tin, zinc, or tin alloy) from the Trans-Himalayan region (Nepal/Tibet border area). This ritual mask dates from the late 19th to the early 20th century (ca. 1890-1920). Whereas 95% of the surviving masks from this region are made of wood, this metal 'armor mask' represents a highly rare ceremonial variant.
Wrought Ironwork & Apotropaic Symbolism
This brutal, metal wall object radiates an unprecedented minimalist primal power and serves as an unwavering eye-catcher in any high-end or modern interior:
- The Hammered Facial Features: The mask was hammered into shape by hand by a local blacksmith over an anvil or wooden mold. The almond-shaped eye sockets and the expressive, leaf-shaped or heart-shaped open mouth are cut out with brute precision. The bridge of the nose stands up powerfully in relief.
- The Garland of Holes of the Ceremonial Collars: Unique and iconographically crucial is the continuous garland of hand-punched, square and round holes along the entire outer edge. Historically, a heavy ceremonial collar of horsehair, textile, or leather scraps was mounted to this to completely conceal the shaman's identity during ecstatic dances.
- Mineral Ground and Temple Patina: The metal surface possesses a magnificent, weathered oxidation skin. It is covered with a layered, bone-dry crust of petrified lime and mineral residues, mixed with the jet-black deposits of decades of incense soot and sacrificial fats.
Product details
| Depiction: | Shaman Mask / Ritual Protective Mask (Metal Tribal Art) |
| Material: | Hand-beaten sheet metal (tin/zinc alloy) with original mineral oxidation and soot patina |
| Origin / Style: | Himalaya Region (Nepal / Tibet) |
| Dating: | Late 19th / early 20th Century (ca. 1900) – Guaranteed antique |
| Condition: | Exceptional antique condition. Beautiful stable metal with authentic hammer marks, legitimate mineral encrustations, and a completely intact perforated rim. 100% nonsense-free. |
Dimensions
H 23.5 × W 18.5 cm
Each object is examined before it is offered: material, casting or carving technique, surface, and signs of age are compared with documented references. You will receive a certificate of authenticity and an official invoice detailing the period, material, and available provenance.
Fully insured worldwide shipping in museum-quality packaging. Returns are sent to our Dutch address and you have a 14-day cooling-off period.
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How we investigated this image
For more than 30 years, we have been researching Asian art. Each object is inspected in advance with a microscope and UV light. Findings regarding material, style, and iconography form the basis for our assessment of dating, condition, and quality — and for the price.
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