Blue, Pink And Black Kathakali Chau Mask Small – DSCMs81025

The tribal mask associated with the age-old dance form called Chau of the Purulia region of West Bengal is acclaimed for its craftsmanship. This elegant Kathakali mask is maintained in blue on one side and the other side painted pink. This mask depicts ancient Kathakali-related history which is being performed by the Chhau artists. The mask is basically made of clay for robustness and durability, and the clay is locally available from the river Marangburu. This mask is a perfect example that how much Purulia locals are attached to art, culture, and history. No harsh chemicals are used. Dyed with vegetable and floral colors. Made with love by the rural artisans of Bengal. Blue, Pink & Black Kathakali Chau Mask – Small

 The mask used in the Chhau dance of Purulia is mainly for mythological characters such as Mahishasur-Mardini, Rama-Sita, the fight between Rama and Ravana, etc. Sometimes small Santhal couple masks are used. Mostly made of paper pulp and clay, Chhau masks are often massive in size but not heavy since the performers wear them during the show. The clay molds are first hand-made and dried in the sun known as ‘mati gora’.

They are then layered with powdered ashes. Masks could also represent the shaman’s spiritual helpers, which he would try to influence in times of need. Sometimes hung in houses to ward off harmful spirits, masks were also occasionally placed with the dead or used in non-spiritual contexts for popular entertainment. Chau masks are made from paper pulp, cloth, and clay and undergo many interim processes before taking the final form. First, a clay model of a mask is made and dried in direct sunlight to make it hard. It is then covered with powdered ash and layers of papers moistened with gum are pasted on this powdered mask.