Mask. Northwestern Nepal, Humla district, south of Sinikot (Bhyansi).

Mask. Northwestern Nepal, Humla district, south of Sinikot (Bhyansi).
Wood, glossy black patina with traces of blue pigment, forged metal clasps; originally,
presence of a fur between the two ruminant horns.
Provenance: Collection of Liliane and Michel Durand-Dessert.
Publication: Himalayas - Volume II - Liliane et Michel Durand-Dessert - Editions Eric Chazot, LMDD, 2011 N° 11.
Measurements: 26 cm (height without horns), 23 cm (width); 17 cm (depth).

This mask comes from the district of Humla, in the northwest of Nepal, specifically from the region of Bhyansi, south of Simikot. This area, difficult to access and with a rich cultural tradition, has been the source of numerous pieces of tribal and shamanic art.

Carved from a single block of dense, heavy wood, the mask has a glossy black patina, the result of ritual use and exposure to ceremonial smoke. Traces of blue pigment suggest original decorative details. The forged metal clasps indicate its functional use in dances or rituals, ensuring its fit to the wearer's face. The presence of two ruminant horns and traces of fur between them reinforce its zoomorphic character, possibly representing an animal spirit. The carving, although austere, conveys a strength and vitality that reflect the spiritual and symbolic connection with the natural and supernatural world.

In Humla communities, masks play a crucial role in shamanic ceremonies and local festivals. They are used to represent deities, ancestral spirits or forces of nature, acting as intermediaries between the human and spiritual worlds. Ritual dances, in which these masks are used, seek to harmonize the relationship between the community and its environment, as well as to protect it from negative influences.

This mask was part of the collection of Liliane and Michel Durand-Dessert, renowned collectors of Himalayan tribal and shamanic art. Their collection has been the subject of exhibitions and studies that have contributed significantly to the knowledge and appreciation of the traditional arts of Nepal and surrounding regions.