Face of Bhairava, c.16th century (mercury-gilded copper alloy with rock crystal, paint, foil & glass...

Made in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Malla Period (1200-1769). This large, fierce face is an outstanding example of Newar mastery of the art of repoussé. Although the face itself consists of a single piece of metal, the hair, ears, earrings, and crown are separate pieces. After shaping, each component was gilded, parts of the hair and eyes were painted, and precious and semi-precious stones and glass were set into the jewelry. Finally all the separate pieces were assembled into this magnificent whole. A wrathful form of Shiva, Bhairava is the protector of the city of Kathmandu in Nepal and is worshiped by both Hindus and Buddhists. Monumental masklike faces of Bhairava are made in Nepal for various festivals—most notably for Indra-Jatra, which is celebrated over several days in early fall in the Kathmandu Valley. During Indra-Jatra, a mask like this is connected to a large pot filled with home-brewed beer. At the appropriate auspicious moment, the mask, garlanded with leaves and flowers, is wheeled out on a wooden platform and the sanctified beer is released suddenly, spurting out of Bhairava’s open mouth. As music plays, crowds of worshipers jostle to catch a mouthful of beer, considered a gift and a blessing from the god. This mask of Bhairava—originally intended for this purpose—once had additional jeweled earrings hanging from its exquisite crown and included a neck and upper shoulders.