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SHAMANS,
ANCESTORS AND DONORS

A look at tribal arts and cultures in old Asia

Ceremonial mask
Rai, Eastern Nepal
Wood, trace of natural pigment
H. 27.5 cm

Christian Lequindre Collection

As an archetypical emblem of a guardian–ancestor—indeed, healer—a mask deemed to be powerful was often copied (with the owners’ permission). The copy was then empowered during a special ceremony.


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