BEHIND THE WOODEN FACE : EXPLORING THE MASKS OF KUSHMANDI

INTRODUCTION

India is a land of traditional art forms, very specifically one for every region, each form more or less conditioned by the customs, beliefs, and practices of a place. The wooden masks of Kushmandi, known locally as Mukha, are part of the Gomira dance during rituals, the very exclusive folk practice in Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal.

These masks were originated for religious and theatrical purposes. Now, they are popular handicrafts-decorative items accepted by collectors, art lovers, and culture followers all over the globe. The growing number of admirers did not yet relieve the artisans taken up for their creation from the fun of absence and deprivation.

 

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT

The craft of wooden mask-making in Kushmandi is closely bound up with cultural-religious history of the Rajbongshi community, the first people in the area. This practice can be estimated to have been around for several centuries and was associated distinctly with the Gomira dance, a ritualistic performance primarily performed to expel evil spirits and invoke divine blessings.

Gomira is a derivation of the name Gram-Chandi, the village goddess revered by the locals. The dance was performed in the months of Chaitra and Baisakh (March to May), which correspond with the agricultural cycle, to bless them with abundant crops and to protect the villagers from diseases and misfortune.

The masks used in these dances were an element of great importance to those performances. Traditionally, the masks represent deities, demons, and mythological entities that embody different facets in the battle between good and evil. The dance is accompanied by folk music, thus providing a transcendental experience to both dancers and spectators.

Made for commercial purposes and designed for raising money through decoration, souvenirs, and collectors’ items, over the years, the artisans’ use of masks has shifted into areas beyond the ceremonial-theatrical sphere. Still, the craft remains rooted deeply in its history and religion.

 

THE ART OF MASK-MAKING – MATERIALS AND PROCESS

Kushmandi masks are delicately made from Gamar timber (Gmelina arborea), the light and strong wood suitable for fine carving. Mask making has many stages, and the artisan truly needs skill and patience.

1. Wood Selection– The log selected for mask-making is well-seasoned so as to prevent cracking and warping.
2. Carving—The sculpting process begins by using chisels, knives, and hammers to carve the rough features of the face. Subsequently, the eyes, nose, and mouth are detailed, and ornaments are added.
3. Smoothing and Polishing– The surface of the mask is first sanded to smoothness before being painted.

   

4. Painting and Decoration-The masks are traditionally painted with natural colours from mineral and vegetable dyes, though synthetic paints are used today as well. The aesthetic appeal of the masks is enhanced by the application of gold and silver foils.

The timing can vary from weeks to months depending on the intricacy of the design, hence each mask is different from the other in the manner of its making thereby showing the imagination and workmanship of the artisan.

 

 

 

MOTIFS AND SYMBOLISM

From the Hindu mythology, folklore and tribal traditions, these masks of Kushmandi portray various figures. Some of the most common ones include:

1. Deities and Divine Figures

   

– Maa Kali – The dreadful goddess of destruction and protection is shown with her usual big eyes and protruding tongue.

– Lord Shiva – He is often depicted with a calm face usually symbolic of wisdom and asceticism.

– Durga and Mahishasura – The fight between good and evil, the mask catches that dramatic moment of the goddess killing the buffalo demon.

2. Demons and Mythical Characters

– Ravana – the ten-headed demon king from Ramayana, who represents pride and cleverness.

– Narasimha – The half-lion, half-man incarnation of Vishnu which symbolizes Divine intervention.

3. Animal and Tribal Figures

– Tigers, owls and snakes- In the folklore, these are depicted as divine messenger or guardians.

– Tribal warriors and spirits – Mostly found in the Rajbongshi community, these masks have exaggerated features and tough expressions.

Every motif has a lot of symbolic meaning. This makes the masks storytellers, not only art pieces, of a rich, ancient tradition.

 

CURRENT STATUS OF THE KUSHMANDI MASKS AND MASK-MAKERS

The Kushmandi wooden mask was awarded with the GI tag in 2018. The artisans who create these masks face several problems even with the fact that their works have cultural meaning. Today, around 250 artisans among Mahisbathan, Mangaldaha, Rianagar, and Sabdalpur villages practice this art form. However, most of them depend on agriculture to earn their primary income since mask-making is not good enough alone for their living.

 

 

 

 

CHALLENGES FACED BY ARTISANS

• Lack of Market Exposure – Most of them sell their products locally rather than going beyond their locality, which limits their growth and profitability.
• Reduction of Ritual Usage – With the decline in performances of traditional folk forms, the demand for masks for religious purposes is also slumping.
• Poverty – Many artisans are fighting to get an existence through less sales and without financial support.
• Competition from Mass Production – Machine-made masks from other areas are cheaper than handmade Kushmandi masks. As a result, the handmade Kushmandi masks are being endangered.

  

To address these issues, organizations such as Mahisbathan Gramin Hastashilpa Samabay Samity Limited have also been working to bring artisans to broader markets. The government and NGOs also step in by promoting the craft through exhibitions, workshops, and online platforms.

 

KUSHMANDI MASKS IN POPULAR CULTURE

The unique masks from Kushmandi have definitely captured the senses of art collectors, museums, and fashion designers alike around the globe. They have been in the many craft exhibitions in India and abroad where they were praised with loud accolades for their vibrant colors and expressive designs.

– Featured in National and International Exhibitions – Artisans participated in craft fairs held in various cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, overseas like London and New York.

– Adopted by Contemporary Artists – Current-day artists have used certain patterns using Kushmandi masks in paintings, sculptures, and even costumes.

– Tourism and Cultural Festivals – West Bengal government now has a platform called the Mukha Festival, which is a yearly carnival that celebrates this particular craft in the hopes of bringing in tourists and eventually selling more products locally.

 

CONCLUSION – THE ROAD AHEAD

The wooden masks of Kushmandi are, more than just decorative objects, symbols of a community’s heritage, faith, and artistic mastery. It is the sustained efforts to support artisans, expand markets and conserve traditional skills that will secure this craft’s survival.

If these artisans are supported by the government and popularized through digital marketing, they can obtain a larger global audience and gain sustainable livelihoods. It is also vital to encourage youngsters to learn this craft through suitable training and financial incentives.

One ray of hope is that, despite the challenges, the interest in handcrafted and eco-sustainable cultural goods has increased. If the proper care is taken, Kushmandi masks will continue to thrive, saving a brilliant art for generations.