NDLI: Mahakali Pyakhan Mask

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Mahakali Pyakhan Mask

Content Provider	IGNCA - Man and Mask
Description	Believed to be performed in temples since 13th century, the masked dance of Mahakali – Mahakali Pyakhan - has legendary origins in a dream of the Malla king in which the goddess commanded him to show the battle between herself and the demons to the people - thus restoring peace in troubled times. Pyakhan means dance in Newari. The performance begins with the three goddesses Mahakali, Kumari and Mahalakshmi and their attendants planning to attack the demons. Shumbha and Nishumbha, who are rejoicing in their victory over Indra. This is followed by battles of each goddess with the demons interspersed with the dances of the attendants. Beta (Vetala), the attendant of Mahakali has a yellow mask with a long tongue to lick blood from corpses. Kankal (Kawancha) skeletons are Kumari’s attendants who are heard walking about in midnight. Bhuts are also the lieutenants of the goddess and the black and hairy Khyak and Khyakini are benevolent night spirits who dance in joy and sport, signifying the restoration of peace. The accompanying music is provided by mwali (pipe), pashchima (drum) and chusya jhali (cymbals).The mask of Mahakali is red with tusk-like teeth, It is also used for Nava Durga dance. Kumari’s mask is also red and that of Mahalakshmi is yellow. The masks of goddesses are decorated with chhatra (umbrellas), lotus and moon patterns . The masks are made of clay, paper and cloth and are worshipped before a performance. The ornamental headgears of goddesses fixed on frame are attached to a metal or bamboo design framing the face.The red masked Lakhe, a mischievous local demon runs through the streets during Indra Jatra bestowing blessings and spreading cheer.
Access Restriction	Open
Subject Keyword	Ancient Human Practice Anthropology Anthropomorphic Art Work Art History Ashwin Bhadra Bhairav Bhaktapur Brahma Ceremonies and Practices Chaturdashi Decorative Mask Disguise Drama Theraphy Durga Saptashati Dwadashi Ganesh Indra Indra Yatra Jayasthiti Malla Kathmandu Kawancha Khyak Khyakini Kumari Lakhe Mahakali Mahalakshmi Mahesh Mahishasur Malla Markandeya Purana Museum Object Nava Durga Ornamentation Performance Performing Art Purnima Ritual Mask Sculpture Shumbha and Nishumbha Taleju Bhawani Vetala
Content Type	Image Text
Resource Type	Visual Artwork

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