Vintage Romanian / Moldovan Dance Mask

Outstanding vintage dance mask.

Carved and painted Holly wood.  Has fur tied in through the back of the mask.  Very nicely done!

In Romanian and Moldovan folk traditions, many kinds of masks are used at planting time and during the celebrations of Lent prior to Christmas, and during Carnival.

Some are used for caroling, while others originate in pre-Christian rituals of appeasing the gods for a rainy spring, bountiful harvest, or successful hunt.

Only men may wear such masks.  This mask represents an old man (Bătrânească) and is a popular Carnival character.

Fantastic original condition!

Measures: 15 x 9 inches.