Konkan region (Karnataka)
Wood with traces of polychroming
An unusual painted dancing mask with excellent patina. It has pierced eye openings, protruding ears and large upturned moustache over a simpering grin. A brilliant red Vaishnavite tilak marks his the forehead. The figure wears an extremely unusual tiered and recessed crown that encircles the head and forms a stylised beard.
The Kokna are a major tribe found in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan. The tribe carve masks representing mythological characters for the Bhavada festival. This festival is a combination of dance and drama, celebrated during March and April. The masks were carved from soft wood which allows an intricate detailing of various facial expressions. Modern masks are now made from Papier-mâché as they are lighter and more durable.
The characters of the tribal masks represent either deities including Vishnu, Ravana and Ganesha, ancestral spirits, totem, mythological character, animals and birds. Every dancer enacts steps typical of the character whose mask he wears, as he dances to the tune of musical instruments like the Sur, Kahali and Sambal. During the festival procession, masked dancers enact myths from tribal folklore as well as Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Mask Size (cms): 58 (H) x 34 (W) x 19(D), 64 (H with stand)
Mask Size (inches): 14 (H) x 8.25 (W) x 6.5 (D), 25 (H with stand)
