War Mask

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This exceptionally rare war mask is one of only two known examples from Tibet. It is subtly forged in iron to represent a human or divine visage, boldly damascened in gold with flame-like tendrils for eyebrows, around the mouth, and framing the face. By contrast, the second example, although equally rare and important, and also in The Met’s collection (acc. no. 2007.10), is intentionally plain in its design and virtually without decoration. War masks made of metal, usually iron or copper alloys, and intended specifically as armor, existed in many cultures for nearly 2,000 years, from Roman Britain in the 1st century A.D. to Japan up to the end of the Edo period in the late nineteenth century. They were probably introduced into Tibet by the Mongols by the fourteenth century and were used in Central Asia and West Asia until at least the sixteenth century. While many types of Tibetan dance and ritual masks exist, this mask is the only known example of a decorated iron war mask from Tibet.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art