Important Notice

KERALA/KARNATAKA
MID 20TH CENTURY
Inscribed in Malayalam (upper left and upper right)
Bronze
16.25 in (41 cm) high

PROVENANCE:
From a Distinguished Family Collection

Bhuta worship lends itself to diverse art forms, including masks sculpted in bronze or carved in wood. Broadly, bhutas are classified into three categories, with masks of bronze or wood representing the invoked spirit. The metal alloys with which the masks are constructed render them resistant to the elements in the thickest parts. Conversely, ornaments and features such as the horn and tongue tend to be brittle and delicate. Bhuta masks are objects of pride and the sculpting of these masks is an honoured and continuing craft tradition.

KERALA/KARNATAKA
MID 20TH CENTURY
Inscribed in Malayalam (upper left and upper right)
Bronze
16.25 in (41 cm) high

PROVENANCE:
From a Distinguished Family Collection

Bhuta worship lends itself to diverse art forms, including masks sculpted in bronze or carved in wood. Broadly, bhutas are classified into three categories, with masks of bronze or wood representing the invoked spirit. The metal alloys with which the masks are constructed render them resistant to the elements in the thickest parts. Conversely, ornaments and features such as the horn and tongue tend to be brittle and delicate. Bhuta masks are objects of pride and the sculpting of these masks is an honoured and continuing craft tradition.