Antique Maonan Nuo Chinese Mask used in Agricultural Dances ca1930s SW China

Description

9 inches x 5.5 inches
Culturally used mask from a South West region of China (Huanjiang) circa 1930
Meant to bring luck and good crops. This deity clearly focused on a beautiful oversize flower native to the region
Per the Republic Peoples of China, there has been a strong push to "modernize" China by way of moving everyone to large cities
Unfortunate this created a massive cultural loss in the areas. Folks have left their multi-generational houses, and many of the dances, and mask making behind
There is seemingly a swell of of reversal to this trend. Failures to this movement have been drastic. Many have large screen tvs they dont use in their inter-city condos because the lifestyle changes have made it such that cant even afford to pay the electricity bills.
Its really a classic-case study in what not to do in terms of retention of cultural heritage.
Multiple layers of paint, clear use and patina on the back. And early, perhaps even original cord.
Lots of bumping and scraping around the chin, nose, ears,  cheek bones etc.
These have become of such rarity that Chinese buyers are buying back some of their heritage these days and thus driving up the prices.
More masks of my collection are currently up - Check out my
other items
!