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  • dancing maskdancing mask

    Dancing Mask

    Konkan region (Karnataka)

    Wood

    An unusual unpainted dancing mask of a male figure worn during performances by members of the Kokna tribe. The stylised face wears a tiered crown and has a prominent upturned moustache sitting over its open mouth. Tiny circular eye holes have been cut out beneath the eyes to help the dancer navigate while wearing the mask.

    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): 43 (H) x 22 (W) x 15 (D), 48 (H with stand)
    Mask Size(inches): 16.9  (H) x 8.7 (W) x 5.9 (D), 18.9 (H with stand)

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  • dancing maskdancing mask

    Dancing Mask

    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)

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  • Demon Mask

    Maharashtra

    wood, polychromed

    Masks are very popular among the Kukanas and the Warlis of Gujarat and Maharashtra. They are used on ceremonial occasions when dramas are performed to the accompaniment of music and dance. During the festivals of Holi and Diwali mask-shows are organised by itinerant tribal artists in different villages. They serve the purpose of tribal unity and stability and to inculcate respect for tribal traditions and ancestors. When wearing a mask, the tribal artist first decides on the size of the mask—generally larger than the human face— and the fills in details. Painting on the mask is done not as part of the enrichment of the sculpture, but as a means by which the spirit is infused into the mask and thus it comes to life. Traditionally, masks were created out of fear of the natural power around them. People copied the world of animals and birds through symbols, paintings and sketches around them. The fear of the dynamism of nature within and outside, propelled them to create mask as a linkage between his world and the one unknown to him. Masks were treated as instruments of revelations- a pathway to the world of gods and other invisible powers- by giving form to the formless.

    Mask Size (cms): 37 (H) x 18 (W) x 22 (D), 45 (H with stand)
    Mask Size (inches): 14.6 (H) x 7 (W) x 8.7 (D), 17.7 (H with stand)

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  • gauri mask (copy)gauri mask (copy)

    Gauri Mask

    Konkan region (Karnataka)

    Wood, polychromed

    Gauri is the name of a benevolent goddess, consort of Shiva or Varuna. Connected with the rains, she is reputed to be the source of the world and the embodiment of motherhood. She is depicted as a two-or four-armed woman of fair complexion, carrying in her upper arms prayer beads and a water pot, while the lower hands are in Abhaya and Varadamudra. She may also carry a mirror, a fish, a lotus, a trident and a floral wreath. Her mount is the godhika (iguana). Occasionally she is shown riding either a lion, a wolf, a pig or a goose.

    Size with stand (cms): 29.5(H) x 16(W) x 7.5(D)
    Size with stand (inches): 11.5(H) x 6.5(W) x 3(D)

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  • gauri mask (copy)gauri mask (copy)

    Gauri Mask

    Konkan region (Karnataka)

    Wood, polychromed

    Gauri is the name of a benevolent goddess, consort of Shiva or Varuna. Connected with the rains, she is reputed to be the source of the world and the embodiment of motherhood. She is depicted as a two-or four-armed woman of fair complexion, carrying in her upper arms prayer beads and a water pot, while the lower hands are in Abhaya and Varadamudra. She may also carry a mirror, a fish, a lotus, a trident and a floral wreath. Her mount is the godhika (iguana). Occasionally she is shown riding either a lion, a wolf, a pig or a goose.

    Size with stand (cms): 9.5(H) x 5(W) x 3(D)
    Size with stand (inches): 24.5(H) x 13(W) x 7.5(D)

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  • Head of a Saint

    Indo-Portuguese, probably Goa

    Polychromed wood

    Saints figures normally used in processions, were called ‘Cribb’ (skeletal) figures, and were common in the East as well as in Portugal, Spain and Italy. In these figures most of the artistic effort went into rendering the head. The body comprised a simple wood structure which would be dressed, thus avoiding the need to sculpt the entire figure. To this were attached the head, hands and feet.

    Size(cms): 44 (H) x 19 (W) x 19 (D)
    Size(inches): 17 (H) x 7.5 (W) x 7.5 (D)

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  • Horse Dancing Mask

    Konkan Region (Western India)

    wood, polychromed

    A painted wooden horse dancing mask with an articulated jaw. The head is worn through use but still shows its typical trappings.

    This is a tribal dancing masks from the Konkan region used in the Perni Zagor, a folk play danced by Christian Gaud tribals. Perni Zagor is an indigenous dance-drama form of the Perni community of Goa. This is an ancient art form and is believed to have evolved on the banks of the Zuari river. It has its origins in fertility rites related to Neolithic shamanism. The dancers don wooden masks while performing the musical drama. The masks represent deities, animals, birds and demons. The characters are derived from various episodes in Hindu mythology. Perni Zagor is currently performed by only a few families in the community and is almost on the verge of extinction.

    Size (cms): 86.5(H) x 57(W) x 17(D)
    Size (inches):     34(H) x 22.5(W) x 6.5(D)

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  • Horse Dancing Mask

    Konkan Region (Western India)

    wood, polychromed

    A painted wooden horse dancing mask with an articulated jaw. The head is worn through use but still shows its typical trappings.

    This is a tribal dancing masks from the Konkan region used in the Perni Zagor, a folk play danced by Christian Gaud tribals. Perni Zagor is an indigenous dance-drama form of the Perni community of Goa. This is an ancient art form and is believed to have evolved on the banks of the Zuari river. It has its origins in fertility rites related to Neolithic shamanism. The dancers don wooden masks while performing the musical drama. The masks represent deities, animals, birds and demons. The characters are derived from various episodes in Hindu mythology. Perni Zagor is currently performed by only a few families in the community and is almost on the verge of extinction.

    Size (cms): 77(H) x 44(W) x 17(D)
    Size (inches): 30.5(H) x 17.5(W) x 6.5(D)

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  • Hanuman Mukhavata

    Karnataka (South India)

    brass alloy

    A striking Hanuman face with a protruding mouth and nose, curving moustache, bulging eyes and forehead tilaka. He wears a necklace and a rimmed and pointed crown.

    Mukhavata or facial masks are two-dimensional metal castings of the crowned or turbaned heads of various deities, mostly manifestations of Shiva and Parvati. Included in this group are Khandoba, Mallanna, Gauri and Hanuman and their regional variants who are worshipped under different names.

    Hindu devotees believe that when an icon is consecrated and its eyes anointed by the priest, the figure becomes a living god. In household shrines in Maharastra and Karnataka, the deity was considered a privileged house guest and treated accordingly. Images of the god were bathed, clothed, bejeweled and nourished in preparation for puja and darshan. Often elaborate turbans were placed on the head of the mukha-vata and bound by the finest cloths usually in the auspicious deep red colour. In some cases the masks were mounted on a wooden framework and covered with cloths. Sometimes separate metal cast arms and legs were attached to the figure, thus providing a more realistic depiction of the deity.

    Size (cms): 35.5(H) x 26(W) x 11.5(D)
    Size (inches): 14(H) x 10(W) x 4.5(D)

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  • head of a dwarapalahead of a dwarapala

    Head of a Dwarapala

    Karnataka

    Wood

    A charming folk wooden carved head of a male attendant/guardian figure wearing a tiered crown and large ornamental earrings. Such figures were placed in folk temples in Karnataka and usually painted and clothed.

    Attendant figures called Dwarapalas or ‘door guardians’ are placed at the entrance of every temple, shrine or sacred precinct. Two or four-handed, they sometimes carry in their hands the emblem of the deity enshrined in the sanctuary. Their countenance may sometimes be fierce and occasionally fangs protrude from their mouths. Temples dedicated to goddesses have female guardians – the Dwarapalikas.

    Size (cms): 25(H) x 15(W) x 10(D)
    Size (inches): 10(H) x 6(W) x 4(D)

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  • Head of a man

    Karnataka

    Wood

    A charming folk wooden carved head of a male attendant/guardian figure. Such figures were placed in folk temples in Karnataka and usually painted and clothed. Attendant figures called Dvarapalas or ‘door guardians’ are placed at the entrance of temples, shrines or sacred precincts. Two or four-handed, they carry in their hands the emblem of the deity enshrined in the sanctuary. Their countenance may be fierce or gentle. Temples dedicated to goddesses have female guardians – the Dwarapalikas.

    Size (cms): 27(H) x 13(W) x 14(D)
    Size (inches):     10.5(H) x 5(W) x 5.5(D)

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  • turban headturban head

    Turban Head

    North India

    Wood

    A lovely patinated wooden turban stand that has been worn through use. It would have been used to display a Sikh turban.

    Size (cms): 41(H) x 22(W) x 20(D)
    Size (inches):     16(H) x 8.5(W) x 8(D)

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  • turban headturban head

    Turban Head

    Western India

    Wood

    A striking patinated wooden turban stand that has been worn through use. It would have been used to hold a turban.

    Size (cms): 39(H) x 17(W) x 19(D)
    Size (inches): 15.5(H) x 6.5(W) x 7.5(D)

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  • Bhairava ‘Demon Scarer’

    Northern Karnataka (South India)

    brass

    A monstrous animal like head depicting the demonic form of Bhairava, one of the avatars of Shiva. The moustachioed visage has a vicious face with bulging eyes and cheeks and with a huge gaping mouth with large teeth and fangs. The head has a rounded tubular extension at its base, which would fit over a pole and could be carried above the heads of the populace during festivals and processions.

    Protective deities such as viras (deified heroes),  kshetrapalas (guardians), bhutas (spirits of various deities), including some daivas (devils) were expected to provide protection against invaders, thieves, the elements- fire , storms, floods, drought, disease etc. Since the earth was populated by gods and their counterparts in the nether world, demons, evil spirits and ghosts, prayers, offerings and sacrifices were made to both groups to propitiate them.

    Size (cms): 28(H) x 22(W) x 23.5(D)
    Size (inches):     11(H) x 8.5(W) x 9.5(D)

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  • Bhairava ‘Demon Scarer’

    Northern Karnataka (South India)

    brass

    A finely cast small Bhairava head, the ferocious form of Shiva. The head has a rounded tubular extension at its base, which would fit over a pole and could be carried above the heads of the populace during festivals and processions. The fanged visage has bulging eyes and cheeks and with finely cast earrings. A prominent third eye, a symbol of Shiva’s destructive force, is a key identifier. ⁠

    The use of monster figures and monster masks, usually made of bronze, was also used for this purpose. These mostly depicted a demonic form of Bhairava, one of the avatars of Shiva.  They were made with a rounded tubular extension at its base, which would fit over a  pole and could be carried above the heads of the populace during festivals and processions. A moustachioed visage was usually portrayed characterised by a vicious face with bulging eyes and cheeks and with a huge gaping mouth with large teeth and fangs. The forehead of the figure often carried the third eye, a symbol of Shiva’s destructive force, and sometimes also include sectarian marks consisting of three horizontally oriented straight or slightly curved lines. Other masks exhibited a distinct animal-like visage with huge teeth and a gigantic mouth. Those were often referred to as ‘tiger masks’. Some masks assumed the expression of a gargoyle with huge, bulging cheeks. Others incorporated composite features including tusks, bossing of the skull and occasionally the horns of a ram.

    Protective deities such as viras (deified heroes),  kshetrapalas (guardians), bhutas (spirits of various deities),  including some daivas (devils) were expected to provide protection against invaders, thieves, the elements- fire , storms, floods, drought, disease etc. Since the earth was populated by gods and their counterparts in the nether world, demons, evil spirits and ghosts, prayers, offerings and sacrifices were made to both groups to propitiate them.

    Size (cms): 18.5(H) x 15.5(W) x 9(D)
    Size (inches): 7.5(H) x 6(W) x 3.5(D)

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  • Demon Scarer

    Karnataka

    brass alloy

    A finely cast Bhairava head also know as a ‘Demon Scarer’. The head has a rounded tubular extension at its base, which would fit over a pole and could be carried above the heads of the populace during festivals and processions. The moustachioed visage has a vicious face with bulging eyes and cheeks and with a huge gaping mouth with large teeth and fangs.

    Such monster figures and monster masks depict a demonic form of Bhairava, one of the avatars of Shiva. Some masks exhibited a distinct animal-like visage with huge teeth and a gigantic mouth. Those were often referred to as ‘tiger masks’. Some masks assumed the expression of a gargoyle with huge, bulging cheeks. Others incorporated composite features including tusks, bossing of the skull and occasionally the horns of a ram.

    Protective deities such as viras (deified heroes),  kshetrapalas (guardians), bhutas (spirits of various deities), including some daivas (devils) were expected to provide protection against invaders, thieves, the elements- fire , storms, floods, drought, disease etc. Since the earth was populated by gods and their counterparts in the nether world, demons, evil spirits and ghosts, prayers, offerings and sacrifices were made to both groups to propitiate them.

    Size (cms): 28(H) x 24(W) x 16(D)
    Size (inches): 11(H) x 9.5(W) x 6.5(D)

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