Coastal Karnataka (South India)
brass alloy
A finely detailed Panjurli (boar) mask with a symmetric conical shape, attractive colour, and rich patina. The head is adorned with a central vertical beaded rope that encircles the snout at one end and the head at its widest point. Features such as the eyes, ears, tusks, and snout are meticulously crafted.
This mask comes from the bhuta tradition on the Malabar coast. The bhuta and daiva, local divine or deified beings are highly prevalent in the southern parts of the Kannara district. Though now largely confined to south Kannara, certain areas of north Kannara and even Sri Lanka, bhuta cults once existed all over India under different names and forms. These cults, which are of considerable antiquity, have much in common with those of the yakshas, for instance. Like bhutas, yakshas are a ‘queer blend of what is sublime and mundane, profound and profane.’⠀
In Tulu Nadu, hordes of boars often invaded and destroyed the cultivated lands so the farmers started worshipping and giving offerings to Panjurli, the spirit in the form of a boar, thinking that this would appease his mood and thus keep the wild animals away from their fields.
Mask Size (cms): 27(H) x 26(W) x 33(D), 35(H with stand)
Mask Size (inches): 10.5(H) x 10(W) x 13(D), 14(H with stand)
