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5. Mask of Bhairava Nepal; Kathmandu Valley 16th-17th c. terracotta H. 43 cm (17'') |
The face of Bhairava, a wrathful form of Shiva, is surrounded by a flaming aureole, with flames issuing from the mouth and eyes as well. On the forehead, where the third eye can be seen, rests a crown made of medallions, skulls, serpent heads and at the centre the head of a bodhisattva. From his ears hang snake-shaped ear-rings. The slightly open mouth features a round hole into which a tube would fit, through which the rice beer given to the devotees as a consecrated drink would be poured. |