Encountering Bhutanese Art: The Beauty of Traditional Wooden Masks

At the Ogyen Choling Palace Museum in the Tang Valley of Bhutan, I was transported to a world of Bhutanese culture and history. The museum was a treasure trove of artifacts, showcasing the traditions and lifestyles of the Bhutanese aristocracy during the 17th to 19th centuries. What really caught my eye were the traditional wooden masks worn by atsaras, the Bhutanese masked dancers who perform during religious festivals and ceremonies. The masks were works of art, each one unique and intricately crafted. I couldn't resist taking a picture of them. I was lucky enough to encounter someone willing to dress up as an atsara and wear one of the masks. The result was this headshot that captured the Bhutanese culture and tradition - Ogyen Choling Palace Museum, Tang Valley, Bhutan.