Antique Tibetan Carved Wooden Mask of the Fierce Mahakala

Description

This form is most favored by the Gelukpa order of Tibetan Buddhism, and in this manifestation Mahakala is considered to be the fierce and powerful emanation of Avalokiteshvara.
He is adorned with the following symbolic attributes:
1). A crown of five skulls: This is worn by all manifestations of Mahakala and represents the transmutation of the five negative afflictions of human nature into positive virtues. Thus:
a). Ignorance transforms into the wisdom of reality.
b). Pride becomes the wisdom of sameness.
c). Attachment becomes the wisdom of discernment.
d). Jealousy becomes the wisdom of accomplishment.
e). Anger becomes mirror like wisdom.
The mask measures 9 inches long, 6 5/8 inches wide and 3 1/4 inches deep.  It is circa 1870.