Papier-Mâché Mask, Burma (Myanmar)
This papier-mâché mask from Burma (Myanmar) is a representation of the god Mahakela. It is painted in black with red, gold and green decorations.
Mahakela is a god in both Buddhist and Hindu religions. In Buddhism he is a form or representation of Dharmapala, which means a protector of dharma or the ‘natural law’. The character of this mask represents a protector of the religion and is intended to frighten away the enemies of Buddhism.
Mahakela is normally presented as black in colour to indicate his all-embracing nature. He always has a crown of five skulls to indicate five wisdoms. He has a third eye, sometimes called the inner eye, which is a sign of spirituality.
Masks of this type were worn in dance dramas performed by monks in a ceremony involving exorcism so that the New Year could begin purged of evil.
Papier-mâché was traditionally used in Myanmar to make masks and toys that were sold at festivals.
Height:28cm
Height:28cm
This papier-mâché mask from Burma (Myanmar) is a representation of the god Mahakela. It is painted in black with red, gold and green decorations.
Mahakela is a god in both Buddhist and Hindu religions. In Buddhism he is a form or representation of Dharmapala, which means a protector of dharma or the ‘natural law’. The character of this mask represents a protector of the religion and is intended to frighten away the enemies of Buddhism.
Mahakela is normally presented as black in colour to indicate his all-embracing nature. He always has a crown of five skulls to indicate five wisdoms. He has a third eye, sometimes called the inner eye, which is a sign of spirituality.
Masks of this type were worn in dance dramas performed by monks in a ceremony involving exorcism so that the New Year could begin purged of evil.
Papier-mâché was traditionally used in Myanmar to make masks and toys that were sold at festivals.
- Term:
- Description:
- Burma
- The country’s name is derived from the Burmese word "Bamar", the colloquial form of Myanmar. "Burma" was used during British colonial rule and until 1989 when Myanmar became the official name.
