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T2 Symbolism of the East and West
interest for us lies in that this mask is an embodiment
of Indian and Central Asian symbolism. In type and char-
acter it is the counterpart of the masks above described as
being worn by certain of the Lamas of Tibet in their reli-
gious dances ;
it almost exactly resembles those worn by the
doorkeepers or Dwarpalas who guard the entrance and
exit of the courtyard in which these dances took place at
Leh, where we saw them.
The Tyrolese mask has the large projecting eyes, the
wide mouth with the huge pendant tusks (which are so
familiar to us in connection with Chinese art), large ears,
like those of the horse or the ass, between which are fixed
a pair of ibex horns, and between these again is a serpent's
head looking upwards. The tail of the reptile is seen coming
out of the mouth of the mask. On the forehead, in front
of the ears and horns, is a kind of coronet, formed of a
succession of irisuls or tridents. From one side of this coronet
issues a miniature dragon, and from the other a tiny serpent.
On the left side of the mouth is a frog, which is evidently
trying to seize the serpent's tail. The frog, the serpent,
and the trisul or trident are all associated with Hindu Saiva
worship at the present day.
In the Tyrolese play, the nether limbs of the wearer
of this mask were encased in pantaloons made ol a coarse
linen material dyed black and painted with tongues of flame,
the folds of a large stuffed snake of the same material en-
circled his body and legs, being attached to a cloak of
similar stuff which hung from his shoulders. When this
singular costume had ceased to be used, owing to the dis-
continuance of these performances for the last forty years.