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- 74 Dance Masks
a) early 20th century wood, pigment, ht. 39 cm John Herbert Collection
b) early 20th century
wood, pigment, ht. 39.5 cm John Herbert Collection
c) early 20th century wood, ht. 28 cm
Gift of Vivian and David M. Campbell
NBM 985.7.36
Tibetan monks of all sects hold colourful and complex dance dramas, usually at the lunar year�s end. The plays, where the participants wear masks, seem to have origins with Tibet�s early Bon religion and sacrifices, and seem to involve exorcism in ushering in good luck for the New Year. The dramas held in temple courtyards and accompanied by music were enjoyed by huge crowds from all classes.
The fierce masks illustrated here with skull headdresses and a third eye in the forehead, represent the protectors of the faith and are probably forms of Mahakala.
75 Exorcist�s Horn
19th century
yak or dzo horn, I. 13.1 cm Gift of Miss Eleanor Kunderman VM DE 676
This horn, which is carved with an extremely primitive design, would have been used by an exorcist for high Tantric practices.
76 Conch Shell Trumpet
19th century
conch shell, silver fittings, I. 26 cm Anonymous Gift ROM 988.150.1
Conch shell trumpets, which are an emblem of the teachings of Buddha, are highly prized in Tibet. They are blown to drive away evil spirits and to summon the monks to attend religious services. The added metal fittings on this conch shell have a design of the Eight Glorious Emblems amidst floral scrolls.
77 Trumpet
late 19th/early 20th century brass, gilt, copper, I. 42 cm Gift of Miss Eleanor Kunderman VM DE 259
The end of this trumpet is in the form of a dragon�s head. The tone is said to be like that of a dragon�s voice. The shaft consists of two sections of copper.
78 Trumpet early 20th century brass, I. 36 cm Private Collection
The bell end of this trumpet is in the form of a dragon�s head.
79 Oboe early 20th century wood, copper, I. 56.2 cm Private Collection
This wooden oboe with copper bell, probably from Ladakh, would have been used to perform the highest part in the religious orchestra. Generally played in pairs, it is the only religious instrument capable of providing a melody.
80 Pair of Large Trumpets
early/mid-20th century
brass, copper, gilt, retracted length 68.7 cm NMC 81.409 & .410
These large telescope trumpets in three sections, which are retractable, have decorative floral hammered metal trim at the joins and bell end.
81 Large Trumpet
early/mid-20th century
silver, copper, brass, I. 166.50 cm NMC 73.1010
This large ornate trumpet is covered with hammered designs of floral scrolls and monster masks.
82 Human Thigh Bone Trumpet
early 20th century
I. 30.5 cm Private Collection
Trumpets like this were used in various religious ceremonies, but particularly for exorcising demons. Sometimes the thigh bone trumpets were embellished with metal fittings. The bones of criminals or men who died by violent means were preferred for this type of trumpet.
83 Skull Drum (damaru)
19th century
17 x 15 cm
Gift of Mrs. C. E. Sunder NBM 34501
This type of drum was inherited from India. It consists of a hourglass form of two human skulls with animal skin stretched over either side with a handle and clappers of textile. These drums served a variety of purposes (e.g., were used for rain-making, and were used by an exorcist during the chanting of his spell). It was also a popular attribute of various Tibetan deities. Usually the skulls of children, who had died at the age of eight, were used to make the drum because that age was believed to have magical powers.
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