Masks

Masks

　　Masks are called “Ba” in Tibetan. They are a type of craft derived from religious art and are quite collectible. There are cham dance masks, hanging masks, and Tibetan opera masks. During major religious festivals, each temple holds cham dance ceremonies (Cham), using masks depicting ghosts, deities, immortals, animal totems, and more.

　　Tibetan opera masks are more commonly seen among the public and come in blue and white varieties. Based on the plot of Tibetan opera, they feature various character masks such as kings, princesses, immortals, monsters, and so on. Hanging masks mainly depict various deities, such as protective deities, goddess of fortune, Hayagriva, as well as a type of ghost mask called “Tsan.” These are generally hung from the beams and pillars of temples.