Kapala turtle shell mask

 The Himalayan region

9.3 inches, turtle shell, silver ornamentation, semi-precious stones

These are very traditional masks called Kapalas and used for Tantric Buddhist ceremonies or just for good luck in the home. If you go back in history these kinds of ceremonies involved the use of human skeletal parts, but in more recent times monkey skulls and turtle shells were use instead. The non-human masks became popular items for tourists and collectors as well. This one is especially well made and in good condition.