Ben Janssens Oriental Art - Indian and Souteast Asian Art
Design by Keenan Design Associates
Stock - Indian and Southeast Asian Art Design by Keenan Design Associates


Copper repoussé mask

South India, 19th century
Width: 8 1/4 inches, 21 cm

Copper repoussé mask © BJOA 2005

A copper repoussé mask, perhaps depicting the face of a wrestler or actor. The broad face has almond shaped eyes, large eyelids and pupils. The arched eyebrows, prominent nose and distinctive moustache all contribute to giving the face a strong character.


Masks have several functions in Indian culture, and were used for both religious and entertainment purposes. Although the specific purpose this mask is not clear, it was possibly worn tied to the back of the head of a person, as there are no holes for the eyes. If worn by a wrestler, it probably served to entertain the public, or to confuse the opponent. Alternatively, if the mask were a theatrical one, it would enable the actor to play two roles. Dance dramas performed in southern India, such as the Yakshagana 1, or Kathakali that portray Hindu epics, use masks as props.

1 - Subhashini Aryan, Unknown Masterpieces of Indian Folk & Tribal Art, Gurgaon 2005, page 60

Detail
Back
Antiques
Ben Janssens Oriental Art Deals in Indian and Southeast Asian works of art