Vintage wooden Mahakala mask #1

Mahakala is a deity known in Hinduism and Buddhism. He is often depicted as a fierce, terrifying creature, embodying the wrathful dynamics of deities such as Shiva. Also Mahakala can be seen as a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, a boddhisattva representing the embodiment of universal compassion, who realized his peaceful methods were too mild to subdue the degenerate beings and thus manifested in a wrathful form to accomplish his compassionate intentions.

Symbolism that can often be found in depictions of Mahakala is for example; a third eye, representing clear, true vision and insights, not clouded by the distractions and illusions of the human mind and ego. And a crown with five skulls, representing the five 'poisonous delusions': anger, desire, ignorance, jealousy, and pride. And Mahakala is often depicted in black; the total absence of color, in which all colors just disappear, symbolizing the ultimate, absolute truth.

This wooden Mahakala mask comes from Tibet. In Tibetan buddhism Mahakala is seen as a powerful protector of the dharma, which is one of the reasons why masks like this often can be found at the entrance of temples and monasteries.

Also in traditional shamanism, such as the lineage of Spirit of Wolf, depictions of Mahakala (and other wrathful deities) can be found. Here they are also connected with Erlik Han, lord of the Underworld, and as such used in black shamanic work.

Sizes from this wooden mask are approximately; 20 centimeters high and 19 centimeters wide. It has a beautiful dark brown-black color and is very nicely detailed. Due to its age, there are some damages to the paint, for example on the tip of its nose. So please look closely at the pictures to observe the condition of this item.

Only one available.