Apron Worn in Cham Dance

MONGOLIA

This apron is worn by the black hat dancer, Shanag, in the Cham dance. Shanag is the only dancer who appears without a mask and acts as the guardian of Buddhism.
The apron is black with a depiction of Mahakala in white wearing a five-skull crown. Mahakala has three round protruding eyes, flaming eyebrows, a bulbous nose, thin red lips, and fierce-looking teeth. He has heavy earrings made of beads. Mahakala is made using thick embroidered applique to show a raised face, making the design bright and distinct. There are also three borders: the inner border with vajra, lotus, and jewel patterns; the middle border with eleven skulls; and the outer border in plain yellow. Seven colored tassels hang down from the bottom of the apron.