21st Sep, 2024 10:00
Auction 21
80
BHUTA BRONZE MASK INDIA 19TH CENTURY
Dimensions: Height 23 cm ; Wide 30 cm ; Depth 23 cm without base
Weight: 2131 grams with base
A Bhuta, according to the Tulu civilization and culture, is a human spirit who lived life as a hero, and was canonized after his or her tragic, martyred death. They are generally benevolent forms of ghosts, who act as guardians over their worshipers. Each Bhuta has a unique cult following, and thus, each Bhuta mask is extremely unique. This antique mask, dated to the 15th century, made of brass, used to be kept in a shrine as per the tradition in Karnataka, starting from the 7th Century Ganga dynasty. In practice, the mask was used to channelize the spirit and have an interactive worshiping session between the devout and the bhuta. Much like an Ouija board in the west, the Bhuta masks in Karnataka were used to address societal and personal practical questions, and come to a communal consensus. A similar custom known as “They yam” is followed in the North Malabar region of Kerala.
The Bhuta worship itself to diverse art forms, including masks sculpted in bronze or carved in wood. Broadly Bhutas are classified into four categories with masks of brass, bronze and wood representing the invoked spirit.
Bhuta masks are objects of pride and the sculpting if these masks is an honoured and continuing craft tradition
Estimated at €3,000 - €5,000
