Nepalese Buddhist Ritual Mask: "Mahakala"

This is a Nepalese ritual mask depicting Mahakala. Mahakala is a deity that protects the land, crops, and people. It also purifies and fights evil. Mahakala is relied upon in all schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Mahakala is depicted in a number of variations, each with distinctly different qualities and aspects. This mahakala mask is made from wood and shows the characteristic five skull crown. The five skulls signify victory over the five emotional illusions. His third eye expresses the wisdom of omniscience. The Mahakala character is ever present in ceremonies throughout the Himalayan region. These masks are used to defeat evil spirits and, when not being used for a ceremony, are hung on the walls of Tibetan homes to keep out evil forces.

This kind of mask is used during Tibetan monastic dances called the Cham Dance or Deity Dance, which protects the village and people at the beginning of the year. It is meant to bring protection, positive energy for the whole year. The lama wears the mask high on his head and uses the open mouth as his eye holes. He would be wearing a yak tail mane over his head and a full dress costume.

Buddhism is a religion in which people follow the teachings of the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) who lived and taught about 2500 years ago. Buddhists do not believe in a personal creator god. Buddhists believe in the Four Noble Truths, including that life is suffering because we are attached to our desires, but that suffering and attachment can be ended by living according to the Noble Eight-fold Path (ex. right thinking, right working, right speaking). The holy book is called the Tripitaka. It contains the teachings of the Buddha. Buddhists believe in rebirth after death (reincarnation). Their goal is to become Enlightened, to achieve Nirvana, and break the cycle of birth and death.
 
Source:
http://www.masksoftheworld.com/India/Himalaya Mask Tibet Lrg.htm http://www.trocadero.com/pmorse/items/357684/item357684store.html
http://www.etsy.com/listing/26878349/rare-very-old-buddhist-mahakala-tibetan