Tibetan Buddhist Mahakala Wall Hanging Mask

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

Tibetan Buddhist Mahakala Wall Hanging Mask

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$69

$92

25% off

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Specifications

	ZAM20
	Wood
	Height: 9 inch
	Width: 7.2 inch
	Depth: 3.5 inch
	Weight 300 gm

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 35 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodiment of Wrathful Compassion

This striking mask is a powerful representation of Mahakala, a fierce protector deity in Tibetan Buddhism. Far from being a figure of malevolence, Mahakala embodies the wrathful aspect of compassion, acting with formidable power to overcome obstacles, banish negativity, and safeguard spiritual practitioners on their path to enlightenment. The mask's intense expression, with its wide, glaring eyes, bared teeth, and furrowed brow, is designed to inspire awe and to shock the ego into submission. Each element of its design carries profound symbolic meaning.

The Iconography of Protection

The vibrant red hue of the mask signifies life force, passion, and the power to conquer evil. The multiple skulls adorning the crown are not macabre symbols of death, but rather represent Mahakala's transcendence over the cycle of birth and death, and his ability to transform ignorance into wisdom. They are a potent reminder of impermanence and the ultimate futility of attachment. The third eye, often depicted in the forehead of deities, symbolizes profound insight and the ability to see beyond the illusion of the material world. The stylized facial features, while appearing fearsome, are intended to evoke a sense of unwavering protection and strength, capable of confronting and dissolving all forms of delusion and suffering. This mask is a tangible representation of the protective energies invoked in Buddhist rituals, a visual reminder of the formidable forces at play in the spiritual realm.

A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship

Meticulously carved from wood, this mask is a testament to the skill and devotion of its artisans. The wood has been expertly shaped and painted to bring out the fierce yet benevolent spirit of Mahakala. The intricate details, from the textured skin to the sharp teeth and the vibrant colors, are all rendered with precision. The patina achieved through the painting process adds a sense of antiquity and spiritual depth, suggesting a long lineage of reverence and practice. This piece is more than just a decorative item; it is a sacred artifact imbued with spiritual significance, capable of transforming any space into a sanctuary of protection and spiritual awareness. It serves as a potent reminder of the spiritual battles fought and won, both externally and internally, in the pursuit of liberation.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.

2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.

3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.

4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.

How to care for Wood Statues?

Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.

Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster.

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