Human world
Papier-mâché bull headed dance mask zhal bag
Tibet, 19th century
Accession Number 54.85.186
In this mask a monk would perform the dance of Yama (Lord of Death) who destroys the forces of evil. Masks are often made in papier-mâché because of the shortage of wood in Tibet. Such a mask housed in the gon-khang brings added protection to the sacred space.