DHOKRA CRAFT Paper Wall Hanging Mask (24 x 5 x 19 cm Multicolour) Chhau Mask Puruliya West Bengal

The Tribal Mask Associated With The Age-Old Dance Form Called As Chhau Of Purulia Region Of West Bengal Are Acclaimed For Their Craftsmanship. The Performers Wear The Masks Of Various Mythological Characters And Animals Incorporating Elements Of Martial Arts Into Their Movements Narrating Mythological Stories. The tradition of making Chhau masks started during the rule of king Madan Mohan Singh Deo of Baghmundi. It is traditionally associated with the age-old dance forms in Purulia West Bengal. The Chhau Mask has ferocious facial expressions bloodshot eyes wide dilated nostrils wrinkled skin and open mouth from which fangs come out. The masks are made up of paper pulp mud and clay subsequently dried in the sun to make it hard. The masks are then colorfully painted. The eye and nose areas have holes to enable vision and breathing. Finally the masks are decorated with zari and other adornments. The masks have feathers and other ornaments that surround the face part of the mask.