Nepalese Masks:
Traditional masks are regarded as the cultural heritage of Nepal reflecting Nepalese culture and religion.This uniqueness separates Nepal from entire world in its own way.It has vivid collection of arts to offer to world.These traditional masks belonging to different ethnic groups have been in use for hundreds of years.Different ethnic groups take part in various rituals to prevent of the risk of extinction or losing essence.In these rituals,these masks plays a major role.Almost all ethnic communities such as Gurung,Newark,Magar,Rai have their own set of masks, referred as shaman's mask ( Shaman is a spiritual leader of tribe and is believed to protect from evil powers) also there are classical masks of hindu God's and goddess.These unique masks separate groups from other communities.
Types of Masks:
These traditional masks adds up the same value but are made up of different raw materials such as mud & paper,wood,metals such as copper,bronze.Different colours are used to give elegant look.
But nowadays local communities prefer metal masks than that of mud and paper as it is lighter and safer to use and there is no need to remake year after year.problem with the mud masks is that if it rains in the middle of jatras,they may melt away.
It takes around 15-16 days to fully complete one mask depending on their size and structure.
Traditional Mask Makers:
Traditional Mask Makers hail from local communities of Nepal carrying their tremendous skills from one generation to another.It's hard to find sufficient skilled mask makers these days.only few experts are left at this field who are doing their job with all their heart.
Undoubtedly the making of this types of masks requires amazing sets of skills
Varieties of Nepalese Masks:
The wide collection of masks are made by the fully experienced artist who have been in the business from a long time ago.These masks speaks a lot more about nepali culture in itself.Masks of different dieties such as shiva,hanuman,Ganesh,durga,laxmi,varahi,
Bhairabha, Buddha,Indra,various puppets,animal skulls and many more are made.
These different masks symbolizes independently in Nepalese communities.
Shiva is very powerful God and helps whenever there is evil in this world.
Bhairabh is considered as very angry God.
Lord hanuman is of immensely powerful and most worshipped in kaliyug.It is believed that still there is a presence of lord hanuman as he is blessed for longevity by shiva.Also hanuman is the reincarnation of lord shiva.
These mask makers should keep themselves in a very pure state,it should be done without breaking manual rules and regulations.If the rules are not followed properly,a deity can take a demoniacal form and cause casualty.
These traditional mask are used in the following rituals and dances performed by people of different communities.
- Lyaku Bhaila Dya jatra
- Bhairav naach(dance)
- Nava Durga Naach of Bhaktapur
- Lakhe naach(dance)
- Manjushree naach(dance)
- Indra jatra
- Krishna janmasthami &many more
Significance:
These traditional masks have their own significance in Nepalese culture.you can see these types of masks used for decorative purpose and it is believed that it protects from evil power.people hang mask of lord ganesha infront of their main door for blessing purpose every times one enters or leaves home.
Mud masks are destroyed after performing rituals,so it is believed that lucky are the ones who get to worship or take part in these rituals.
Like humans they are born,live with people then the time comes to death where they are destroyed.
Economically these traditional masks have higher demands in nepal as well as in Asia.
You can buy traditional masks of nepal from here 1.ebay/nepali masks
