Monster mask "Zeebad", 18th century or older · Mongolia · ID: 3045518

Name: Monster mask "Zeebad", 18th century or older
SKU: 3045518
Availability: Discontinued

not available anymore

Size

H: 27 cm

B: 37 cm

H: 10.6 inch

B: 14.6 inch

Description

bronze, red pigment, base

The head of the monster “Zeebad” (or “Kirtimukha”) is a traditional motif, that is often found as a guardian (knocker) at temple doors.

This, according to a legend, goes back to a dispute between Shiva and the deity Rahu.

Shiva sent the monster “Zeebad” to kill Rahu, but pardoned him just before it came to that. Out of displeasure that he was not allowed to complete his task, “Zeebad” began to eat himself until only his head remained without a lower jaw.

Shiva was so impressed by the monster’s zealous commitment that from now on he assigned his own protection. Since that time, “Zeebad” keeps watch on the threshold of Shiva’s palaces.

The object Monster mask “Zeebad”, 18th century or older with the object ID 3045518 was last part of the auction 91 Tribal Art Auction at March 9, 2019 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 36.

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