Inherited treasure

Masks used in religious rites are mostly made of wood, while those that get hung on the walls of temples for worship are made of clay, leather and paper pulp.

According to Jamyang, such masks require artists to have a basic foundation in fine arts, because they are actually sculptures that need to be carved or sculpted, colored and decorated.

Since these masks are related to Tibetan Buddhism, makers need to have at least a general knowledge about the figures that appear in Tripitaka (Buddhist cannon) and Tibetan legends.

"Even though figures vary in appearance in different areas and even in different temples, they have basic characteristics that cannot be changed," Jamyang said.

Comparatively speaking, Tibetan opera masks are easier to learn and make, as they are two-dimensional masks made of cloth. According to Jamyang, one can master this skill within four or five months.

Now 55, Jamyang used to study stage design at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. In 1983, his work led him to start learning how to make Tibetan masks. Now as a certified inheritor of the art, he teaches in a training institute for Tibetan masks in Lhasa.

"It is easier to make Tibetan opera masks, and they are in relatively more demand due to how well Tibetan opera is flourishing today. There are many workshops and factories that produce these masks," Jamyang said.

He pointed out that the Cultural Revolution (1966-76) caused a break in the passage of this art to the next generation. During this period, many Tibetan masks were destroyed, and now religious masks are mainly made by in temples and small workshops.

Another problem when it comes to passing on this tradition is that fewer young people are willing to take the time to learn the art, as it can take four to five years to master the art of making religious masks.

"People want quick returns. Most students at the institute are young people from rural areas who have no better options," he told the Global Times.

But Jamyang is not pessimistic about the future. With the support of the government, making masks has become an elective in vocational schools in Tibet, giving students who are interested the option to carry on this tradition.

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