Chhau Mask

Purulia Chhau Mask
Geographical indication
Chhau Mask of Baghmundi, Purulia
Alternative names Chhau dance mask
Description Chhau mask is used for Chhau dance in Purulia
Type West Bengal folk cultural art
Area Purulia and nearby of villages
Country India
Registered 28 March, 2018
Material Clay, soft paper, diluted glue, cloth, mud, fine ash power etc.
Official website ipindiaservices.gov.in

Chhau Mask is a traditional cultural heritage of Purulia. The main difference between the Purulia chhau and Odisha chhau is in the use of the mask. Purulia chhau used the mask in dance, but Odisha does not have the mask thereby adding facial expression with body movement and gesture.[1] The Chhau mask of Purulia is registered under Geographical Indications.[2] As the basic difference of Purulia Chhau the mask is unique and traditional fact.

History

The tradition of making Chhau Mask started around 150 years back during the rule of king Madan Mohan Singh Deo of Baghmundi. The chhau mask is traditionally associated with the age-old dance forms in Purulia.

Theme and style

Mahisasuramardini in Purulia Chhau

The mask used in Chhau dance of Purulia is mainly mythological character like Mahishasur-Mardini, Rama-Sita, fight of Rama and Rabana etc. Sometimes small Santhal couple mask used in Chhau dance. The mask has feathers and other ornaments that surround the face part of the mask, which can be extended off about 2 feet from the mask itself. The portary Gods and Goddess like Devi Durga, Lakhmi and Kartik are colored dark yellow or bright orange naturally. The white color is often used for lord Shiba, Ganesh and Devi Saraswati. Black or dark blue is used for Maa Kali. A tilak is generally used in the forehead of Krishna and Rama. The Asuras are painted in black or dark green with a thick mustaches, protruding teeth and large eyes.

Making Process

Makers of Chau mask in the village Chorida of Bagmundi block of Purulia

These chhau masks are made by the artists from the Sutradhar community. The making of a mask goes through various stages. 8–10 layers of soft paper, immersed in diluted glue, are pasted one after another on the mould before the mud mould is dusted with fine ash powder. The facial features are made of clay. A special layer of mud and cloth is applied and the mask is then sun-dried. After this, the mould is polished and the second round of sun drying is done before separating the layers of cloth and paper from the mould. After finishing and drilling of holes for the nose and eyes, the mask is colored and decorated.[3][4]

Geographical Indications

The Chhau mask of Purulia is registered under Geographical Indications.[5] As the basic difference of Purulia Chhau the mask is unique and traditional fact.

See also

Reference

  1. ↑ "The Official Website of Purulia District". purulia.gov.in. Retrieved 2018-02-12.
  2. ↑ "Bengal handicrafts to get new fillip with GI tags". The Hindu. PTI. 2016-08-16. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2018-05-15.
  3. ↑ https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5590e1c1e4b01cfd84ef7264/t/56bd94ae7da24fd5476fbc2e/1455264959070/Masks+of+Bengal.pdf
  4. ↑ "The Mask". Biswa Bangla. Retrieved 2018-02-12.
  5. ↑ "Bengal handicrafts to get new fillip with GI tags". The Hindu. PTI. 2016-08-16. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2018-05-15.
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