Mask of Nyima Öser, manifestation of Padmasambhava
See it in the Museum
Chapel
Orientation 3
Wall object 2
ABR 085
Code: ABR 085
Country: Tibet
Style:
Date: 1700 - 1800
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 23.5 x 44 x 15.5
Materials: Wood
Mask of Nyima Öser, manifestation of Padmasambhava
This mask, resembling those used in ritual dances, represents the face of a yogin with typical Indian features: hooked nose, bulging eyes, full lips, frowned eyebrows and nose. He has yellow skin and a clipped beard. His long hair is tied in a topknot topped with a half vajra and his head wears a crown made of five dried skulls. All these elements corresponds to the face of Nyima Öser, “sunbeam”, one of the eight manifestations of the famous Indian tantric master Padmasambhava. It is under this yogin aspect that the master received and practiced the tantric teachings in charnel grounds. Usually, dance masks have no holes in the eyes but at the level of the mouth, the dancer not being allowed to look through the deity’s eyes.
This mask, resembling those used in ritual dances, represents the face of a yogin with typical Indian features: hooked nose, bulging eyes, full lips, frowned eyebrows and nose. He has yellow skin and a clipped beard. His long hair is tied in a topknot topped with a half vajra and his head wears a crown made of five dried skulls. All these elements corresponds to the face of Nyima Öser, “sunbeam”, one of the eight manifestations of the famous Indian tantric master Padmasambhava. It is under this yogin aspect that the master received and practiced the tantric teachings in charnel grounds. Usually, dance masks have no holes in the eyes but at the level of the mouth, the dancer not being allowed to look through the deity’s eyes.