South Asia, Western India, Kanara region, ca. 19th century. A striking Bhuta cult bronze mask of Jumadi an androgynous deity worshipped in the Bhuta Kola folk tradition, characterized by a monstrous face. The bronze is cast via the lost wax process with a very deep concave interior, repousse eyes and nose, with piercings in the iris, nostrils, and a slit form mouth. While humanoid, the tusks and canines extending from the mouth indicate his transcendent attributes and ferocity. The openwork aureole surrounding the upper perimeter alternates between stupa shaped spikes and inward curved petaloid flames with rings in the tips for additional dangling embellishments. Size: 12" L x 4" W x 13" H (30.5 cm x 10.2 cm x 33 cm); 14.5" H (36.8 cm) on included custom stand.
Bhuta is Sanskrit for "spirit" or "passed away" and the Bhuta cult is the worship of ancestor spirits or supernatural beings that take many forms, such as boars, buffalo and the manifestations of the gods- like this mask. Performers would dance all night in these masks and even metal breastplates- despite the enormous weight- entering trance like states, the bhuta spirits would speak through the masked dancer to advise, settle disputes, sing, and tell stories.
Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, 1995 to 2010; ex-private Florida, USA collection
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#170964
Condition
Losses to petaloid headdress panel to left side. A few surface abrasions, but otherwise excellent and light mineral encrustations.