Mask for the "cham" dance

wood, encrusted black patina, pigment remains, pierced eyes, gaping mouth with strong fangs and stuck out tongue, slightly dam., base;
used at buddhist ritual "cham" dance. The Tibetan masks used during this rites stand for gods and demons, as well as animals. They often have an enraged or menacing look, in order to strike terror into evil spirits and to chase them off.