Terms and Conditions
The artist, title and date of the work must be listed anywhere the image is reproduced:
Tibetan
Mahakala, dance mask (20th century)
wood
31.0 × 18.1 × 14.8 cm
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 2006
Photo: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Where possible, the image must be reproduced in full (no cropping or over-printing). If you wish to use a detail of the work, a full reproduction of the work must also be reproduced elsewhere in the publication.
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Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Tibet
Accession Number
2006.285
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation
Physical description
The Mahakala mask is carved from wood, and includes elements such as the grinning skulls that are seen on many Tibetan works of art, and indicate the transitory nature of the world of the senses. The face is carved in a ferocious expression appropriate to the role of Mahakala as a protective deity, with large, distinctive features that clearly convey the character and his nature. The work is deceptively simple, yet energetic and balanced, and has great presence.