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Tibetan Devil Dancers
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Tibetan Devil Dancers
Priests, dressed as demons, process through a village Date: 1910
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Media ID 14283074
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Dancers Demons Devil Dressed Fear Frightening Hiding Masks Priests Process Tibet Tibetan Ugly Weapons
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a group of Tibetan priests, dressed as demonic figures, as they process through a rural village in Tibet during the early 1900s. The image, which dates back to 1910, offers a unique glimpse into the rich cultural traditions and religious practices of this ancient Himalayan region, which was then under Chinese rule. The priests, whose faces are obscured by frightening masks, are seen carrying various weapons such as spears and shields. Their costumes, adorned with animal skins, feathers, and bones, are designed to instill fear and awe in onlookers. The ugly, grotesque masks, with their protruding eyes and menacing expressions, are intended to represent the Tibetan gods and demons believed to protect the village and its people from harm. The Devil Dance, or Cham dance, is an integral part of Tibetan Buddhism and is believed to date back to the 13th century. The dances are performed during religious festivals and are believed to purify the village and ward off evil spirits. The dancers, who undergo rigorous training, use their masks, costumes, and movements to bring the gods and demons to life, creating a powerful and otherworldly experience for the audience. Despite the intimidating appearance of the priests in this photograph, their role in Tibetan society was one of protection and spiritual guidance. The Devil Dance was a way for the community to come together and reaffirm their connection to their faith and their ancestors. This image, with its haunting beauty and historical significance, offers a fascinating window into the past and the unique cultural traditions of Tibet.
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