The wooden mask of a Yak is a significant cultural artifact associated with the Monpa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, India. This intricately carved mask, measuring approximately 55.6 cm in length, was traditionally used during pantomimes organized by Buddhist monasteries. The Monpa people, who primarily reside in the Tawang and West Kameng districts, have a rich tradition of performing arts, and masks play a vital role in their spiritual and cultural expressions.Crafted using precise carving techniques, the Yak mask represents an important aspect of Monpa rituals and ceremonies. The Yak, a revered animal in the Himalayan region, symbolizes strength, endurance, and prosperity. During monastic performances, masked dancers don these wooden masks to enact religious stories, myths, and moral narratives. These pantomimes, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist traditions, serve as both entertainment and spiritual offerings, often performed during festivals and religious gatherings.

The mask was received by the National Museum, New Delhi, and is classified under the domain of Anthropology. It is a valuable representation of the Monpa tribe’s artistic heritage, reflecting their craftsmanship and cultural identity. Such masks are traditionally made from locally sourced wood, shaped, and painted to enhance their expressive features.

The mask is under the custody of the National Museum, New Delhi, in the field of Anthropology. It is valuable testimony to the artistic culture of the Monpa tribe as it represents their identity and craftsmanship. The local wood is carved, shaped, and painted to accentuate the mask's expressiveness. The Yak mask is in fact an artistic artifact, an autograph of history and spirituality, linking the past with the present. It epitomizes the importance of conserving indigenous traditions and showcases the obnoxious skill of the Monpa community in Arunachal Pradesh.