Deer Dragon Mask

Tshechu festival, Bhutan

13 inches, painted wood

This is an authentic cham mask of high artistic quality and in perfect condition. Usually at least two deer (more precisely stag or shar in Bhutanese) dancers are the main players in the sharcham New Year dances. The two deer headed figures, robed in fine brocade, enact a graceful dance that culminates in them swinging swords and chopping to bits a large clay figure that  personifies the evils of the coming year.

In Bhutan masked dances are the common forms of entertainment for the public during festivals known as Tshechus. These masked dances involve complex moves and steps choreographed by previous Buddhist saints. A large number of different kinds of dances all involve wearing different masks and dresses, and different steps. The dances are performed in monasteries and have special religious significance.  Larger scans are available.

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