Chhau Mask

About

What is a Chhau Mask? A Chhau mask is a handcrafted papier-mache mask created for the Chhau dance, a UNESCO -recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage performance tradition of eastern India. Unlike facial expressions, Chhau dancers rely entirely on these elaborate, sculptural masks, paired with martial, acrobatic movement, to embody characters from Hindu mythology and tribal folklore. Each handmade Chhau mask is both a performance tool and a striking piece of Chhau wall art , sculpted, painted and embellished entirely by hand. Made most prominently for Purulia Chhau in West Bengal , these masks give visual form to gods, demons and legendary figures, from a serene, radiant Durga to a fierce, wide-eyed Mahishasura, making each piece a study in exaggerated, expressive craftsmanship. Key Features of Chhau Masks Handcrafted using layered papier-mache over a clay mould GI-tagged and recognised under the One District One Product initiative Exaggerated, theatrical facial features designed for stage visibility Finished with natural dyes, feathers, beads, sequins and metallic paint Rooted in the UNESCO-recognised Chhau dance tradition Crafted almost exclusively by artisan families in Charida, Purulia History of Chhau Masks Origin of Chhau Masks Chhau mask-making dates back several centuries, rooted in the martial and religious traditions of tribal communities in eastern India. Chhau dance itself began as a martial art form before evolving into a masked storytelling tradition under the influence of local rulers and temple culture, with masks becoming central to how dancers conveyed character and emotion on stage. Evolution of Chhau Masks The craft became especially refined in Charida village, Purulia, where generations of artisans known as Sutradhars developed the mask-making tradition into its current, highly expressive form. Over time, Chhau performance itself branched into three distinct regional styles: Purulia Chhau in West Bengal, which relies heavily on masks; Seraikella