The Masks of Nepal

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Nepal is rich in hand craved wooden materials. Mask is one of them. There are various categories of mask found in Nepal according to different culture and religion. The main types are listed below:

Ethnic
Folk
Cultural
Religious
Deity
Demons
Ghosts
Shaman
Ritual
Exorcist
Bhairav

Ethnicity, Mask Possession, and Mask Dances

The Spatial Distribution of Ethnic Communities in Nepal is Gurung, Pahadi Castes Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Dalit, Kiranti, Rai, Limbu Newar Other Castes Tamang Bhotia, Sherpa, Thakali etc

The ethnic and caste groups who developed the culture of the mask were the agrarian groups. They include Newar, Magar, Gurung, Rai, Limbu, Sherpa and other Himalayan people of Tibetan origin
Tharu and other Tarai communities
Shaman practitioners of all ethnic groups
Hindus, Buddhists, and folk religious groups
Tantric, Exorcists and other practitioners

There are various festivals related to mask according to ethnicity and culture. Various kinds of Hindu and Buddhist mask dances are performed as part of religion. The rules of ritual are strictly followed. Ethnic mask dances, which are rich in content and spectacular. Demonic masks are used in various folk dances and open-air theater.

Typology of NEPALI MASKS

Religious Masks
Folk Masks
Deity Masks
Ethnic Masks
Cultural Masks
Dance Drama Masks
Exorcist Masks
Festival Masks
Ritual Masks
Shaman Masks

Aesthetic Of Nepali Masks

The Mask Properties Masks are made of Metal [ Brass, Copper, Iron ] Terracotta Wood Paper Leaves Cloth Straw Paint. Some of the properties of Nepali Masks are listed below:

The very rich tradition of ‘Mask culture and heritage.
Several hundred types of masks exist.
Lively cultural roles and religious as well as folk significance.
Ethnic diversity led to developing varied forms of masks with diverse features.
Most ethnic groups have indigenous masks culture, which they perform in specified days round the year.
Nepali masks are religious, folk, cultural, festival, Shaman, an exorcist.
Ethnic features are visible in designs and expressions.
Masks are colorful or without color or one color mostly black.
Masks reflect the worldview and identity of the group.
Used in festivals, ceremonies, worship, practices etc.
Spectacular with profound iconography, pattern, expression, and the role assigned so far.
Patterns and performances reflect the cultural uniqueness and ethnic identity.