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Maonan people, Guangxi, SW China 10.5 inches, painted wood Quite a few things are unique to this portrayal to a senior military general. Some of the wood surface has been left unpainted, there is a carefully carved Chinese character on the headdress, and the bulging eyes and buck teeth that remind one of India or Indonesia. It is one of many characters in the Maonan version of the Nuo Opera, circa early to mid 20th century.The Maonans are farmers who grow millet and buckwheat and have a population of some 107,000, most of whom live in Guangxi Autonomous Region. In the 1964 census, there were 183 ethnic groups registered, among which only 54 are recognized. Assimilation into modern society is encouraged by the government. That, and a growing interest in Chinese folk art, is causing used masks like this to become harder and harder to find. More info. $500
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