6 Art Masks: Gurung

Gurungs believe their locale to be inhabited by supernatural forest creatures and by a variety of formless wraiths and spirits.

Traditional masks of Nepal can be divided into two sorts: "tribal" masks which belong to the ethnic groups such as Gurung, Magar, Tharu, Rai etc and which are also referred to as "shaman's" masks; and "classical" masks which represent Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses.

Bad slide design, but shows the variety of masks.

masks of this type were either ceremonial – used in shamanic rituals for channelling local gods / demons through the shaman – or protective – hung in the house or over the door to ward off evil spirits. T