Handmade Wooden Mask, [Citipati Mask], Tibetan Style With [Traditional Color], [Poplar Wood]

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Authentic Since 1976

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HME37559 In Stock & Ready to Export 38 views

Handmade Wooden Mask, [Citipati Mask], Tibetan Style With [Traditional Color], [Poplar Wood]

Lords of the Cemetery, Guardians of Transcendence and Impermanence Citipati

US$ 12.00

Direct Artisan Price • Ex-factory Kathmandu

Min Order: 1 pc

Dimensions:	21x14x8 cm (8.3 × 5.5 × 3.1 inches)
Gross Weight:	0.18 kg (0.4 lbs)
Material:	Wood
Iconography / Artist:	Citipati
Craft Origin:	Kathmandu Valley, Nepal • Ancient Heritage Technique
Cataloged On:	Jul 06, 2026

Quantity:

Subtotal: US$ 12.00

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Citipati

In Tibetan Buddhism, the Citipati, or "Lords of the Cemetery" are two mythological Buddhist ascetics, who were so deep in their meditation, they were caught unawares by a thief and beheaded even before they knew they were dead. As a symbol, the Citipati represents the eternal dance of death and perfect awareness. They are usually depicted as a male/female pair of intertwined skeletons caught up in an ecstatic dance. The dance of the Citipati is commemorated twice annually in Tibet with ritual dances. The Citipati are invoked as 'wrathful deities, benevolent protectors who appear as fierce beings with a demonic appearance.

The Citipati are two skeletons, one of a man and the other of a woman, represented with arms and legs interlaced, dancing the Tsam dance. They are considered to be masters of the cemetery. The Citipati are one of the seventy-five forms of Mahakala and are visible reminders of the impermanence of everything worldly. Their mouths are parted in a large grin, showing all their teeth. Each wears a long scarf. According to a Northern Buddhist legend, the Citipati were, in a former existence, two ascetics who were once lost in such deep meditation that they did not notice that a thief had cut off their heads and thrown them in the dust. Since that time they have been ferocious enemies of thieves, having vowed eternal vengeance. This legend is somewhat similar to that of Yama. In the cemetery, the Citipati are supposed to perform a skeleton ritual dance during which they blow the Tibetan long horns. In most monasteries the dance, symbolic of the cycle of life and death, is performed in the monastery cemetery once in summer and once in winter by monks wearing masks.

Centuries-Old Lost-Wax Metal Casting

Each sculpture at Handmade Handicraft is crafted using the ancient cire-perdue (lost-wax) technique, a craft perfected over a millennium by the Newar artisans of Patan. The process begins with sculpting beeswax and Himalayan tree resin by hand. A multi-layered clay mold is formed around the wax, which is melted away in the furnace, creating a void that is filled with molten red copper or bronze.

24K Mercury Gilding

Applied with pure gold leaf and fused using fire gilding for an ethereal sheen that endures for generations.

Cold-Gold Face Painting

The sacred facial features and serene gaze of deities are carefully rendered with powdered cold gold and natural pigments.

Hand-Chiseled Detailing

Intricate robes, mandalas, and jewels are carved by hand with miniature steel chisels and devotion.

Door-to-Door Worldwide Express Delivery

Since 1976, we have shipped thousands of delicate sacred statues and handicrafts across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia with an exceptional track record of safe delivery.

Express Carriers: We partner with DHL Express, FedEx International, and licensed Air Cargo freighters with end-to-end tracking.
Museum-Grade Packaging: Each piece is wrapped in moisture-resistant vapor barriers, thick high-density foam cushioning, and reinforced export cartons or custom wooden crates for large statues.
100% Transit Insurance: All international shipments are fully insured against loss or damage during transit.
Customs Clearance & Documentation: Includes official Nepal Archaeological Department export clearances certifying modern non-antique artisan status for hassle-free customs clearance.