Tibetan masks

Carved in wood or made in papier-mâché, they often depict protective deities, spirits, or symbolic figures intended to illustrate the teachings of Vajrayana Buddhism. Tibetan masks hold an important place in the rituals of Himalayan Buddhism, notably during cham dances performed in monasteries

Cham masks: protective deities and Buddhist symbolism
In Tibetan Buddhism, Cham dances are a ritual practice combining codified movements, music and representations of deities. Performed notably by monks during major religious festivals, they feature figures whose sometimes striking appearances embody the spiritual forces at work within Vajrayāna Buddhism.

Among the most frequently represented figures, Mahākāla holds an important place. This protective deity, or Dharmapāla, can notably be recognised by his bulging eyes, fangs and crown of skulls. His wrathful expression does not reflect a malevolent nature: it symbolises the power required to overcome ignorance and the obstacles on the path to Enlightenment.

Cham masks display a wide variety of forms and materials. Some are carved from wood, while others are made from papier-mâché and then painted in vivid colours. Their exaggerated proportions, expressions and attributes make it possible to distinguish the different figures represented.

Tibetan masks from the Claude de Marteau Collection
The Tibetan masks from the Claude de Marteau Collection form part of a broader ensemble of works devoted to the religious traditions of Asia. Their iconography notably reflects the heritage of Indian sacred art and its evolution within the Buddhist traditions of the Himalayas.

Through their ritual function and symbolism, these masks engage in a dialogue with the spiritual world of Buddha statues and bodhisattvas, while distinguishing themselves through their expressive representations of protective deities and figures from Tantric Buddhism.

They thus stand alongside the antique statues and sculptures from Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan, brought together in a collection that offers an insight into the different artistic and spiritual expressions of the Asian world.

Discover our complete selection of antique works in the Himalayas and Southeast Asia category.