Tibetan Masks

Tibetan Masks

　　Tibetan masks are a type of handicraft derived from religion, known in Tibetan as “Pa.” They are generally divided into three types: “ritual dance masks,” “hanging masks,” and “Tibetan opera masks.” Ritual dance masks feature patterns such as ghosts, guardian deities, immortals, and animal totems, and are primarily used in exorcism rituals held in monasteries during major festivals.

Hanging masks mainly depict various deities, such as guardian gods, the Goddess of Fortune, and Hayagriva. Tibetan opera masks are more commonly seen among the public and come in blue and white varieties. Based on the plot of Tibetan operas, they feature a variety of character masks, such as kings, princesses, immortals, and demons.