TSAM · THE DANCE OF GODS | Mongolian Culture

The Khuree Tsam masked dance, like its Tibetan predecessor, is performed to invoke divine energies and protect against malevolent spirits. The dancers, embodying the forms of gods, deities, and protectors, are not merely performers but vessels of sacred energy. Their elaborate costumes and intricately designed masks, which are passed down from master to disciple, are imbued with meaning, reflecting both the spiritual world and Mongolian folklore. The masks themselves, often ornate and meticulously handcrafted, are as much a part of the performance as the dancers, serving as representations of celestial beings.

Photographer Jatenipat Ketpradit’s series, TSAM · THE DANCE OF GODS, captures the essence of this extraordinary cultural ritual. Each photograph reveals the vibrant tapestry of Tsam, with striking attention to the traditional Mongolian aesthetic. The color palette Ketpradit uses evokes the traditional period, with deep, earthy tones contrasted against the bright reds, yellows, and golds that dominate the dancers' costumes and masks. His lens offers viewers an intimate look into the deeply spiritual and communal nature of the ceremony, where guardians and gods are brought to life through human form.