This mask represents Yama or Raksha Lango, the Hindu god of the underworld, who has been incorporated into east Asian Buddhism along with many other Hindu gods. He plays an important role in dances that purify the village and temple of evil spirits and protect them from bad omens.
This is a stunning example, cast from bronze and gold gilded. Decorated with stones and inscribed. Dating from the first half of the last century.
21cm diameter