Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Large Size Mahakala Mask From Nepal - Tibetan Buddhist

$494
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZDZ94
Wood Statue
Height: 19.5 inch
Width: 17.5 inch
Depth: 9.2 inch
Weight 3.70 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 35 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Visage of Protection: The Mahakala Mask

This striking wooden mask, originating from Nepal, embodies the formidable and protective energy of Mahakala, a wrathful deity revered in Tibetan Buddhism. Crafted with remarkable detail and vibrant colors, this mask serves not merely as an artistic representation, but as a powerful conduit for spiritual practice and warding off negative influences. Its imposing presence and intricate features are designed to inspire awe and convey the fierce compassion of Mahakala, who is seen as the great protector of Buddhist teachings and practitioners.

Guardians of Wisdom and Dharma

In the rich tapestry of Buddhist iconography, Mahakala appears in various forms, each symbolizing different aspects of enlightened activity. He is often depicted with a fearsome countenance, a third eye to see beyond illusion, and a crown of skulls, signifying his transcendence of death and ego. The multiple skulls adorning the top of this mask are potent symbols, representing the subjugation of the five kleshas, or defilements, that hinder spiritual progress. These skulls also allude to the impermanence of life, a fundamental teaching that encourages earnest spiritual pursuit. Mahakala's primary role is to overcome obstacles and negativities, both external and internal, thus clearing the path for enlightenment. Masks like this are traditionally used in Cham dances, sacred performances that enact Buddhist stories and teachings, or displayed in monasteries and homes as a focal point for meditation and protection.

Artistry and Symbolism in Wood

This substantial mask, carved from wood, showcases the masterful craftsmanship of Nepalese artisans. The bold lines and exaggerated features are typical of Tibetan mask-making traditions, designed to be visually arresting and symbolically potent. The wide, fierce eyes, with their concentric rings of color, are intended to pierce through delusion and perceive the true nature of reality. The bared fangs and open mouth convey Mahakala's power to consume obstacles and negative forces. The surrounding decorative elements, such as the floral motifs and swirling patterns, add layers of meaning, often representing the blooming of wisdom or the boundless nature of compassion. The painting, done in traditional hues, enhances the mask's spiritual presence, with each color carrying its own significance within the Buddhist tradition.

A Powerful Protector for Your Space

Bringing this Mahakala mask into your environment is an invitation to invite powerful protective energies. It serves as a constant reminder of the path to spiritual liberation and the importance of overcoming inner and outer challenges. This mask is more than just a decorative item; it is a sacred object imbued with deep spiritual significance. Its impressive size and detailed artistry make it a captivating centerpiece for any altar, meditation room, or space dedicated to spiritual reflection. By honoring Mahakala, you invoke a protector who stands vigilant against ignorance, attachment, and aversion, helping to foster peace, clarity, and spiritual growth.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.
Image

2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.
Image

3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.
Image

4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.
Image

How to care for Wood Statues?


Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.

 

  • Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

 

  • Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

 

  • You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

 

  • Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

 

It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster. 

Add a review
Have A Question
By continuing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy