Collection: Purulia Chhau Mask

Purulia Chhau Masks are essential elements of the Chhau dance theatre of eastern India and received GI recognition in 2016. Produced at Purulia in Bengal, these masks represent mythological characters used in dramatic performances.

The masks are made using clay moulds layered with paper and cloth. After drying, they are painted in vivid colours and decorated with feathers and ornaments. Each mask symbolises a character from epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

At BONGONIKETAN, we work closely with craft villages in the Purulia region, collaborating with skilled artisans and master craftsmen who continue the traditional art of Chhau mask making. Chhau dance itself presents dramatic themes inspired by episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, where the masks play a crucial role in bringing each character to life. The masks are traditionally crafted through a layered process involving clay moulding, paper and cloth layering, drying, painting and ornamentation. Through these collaborations, BONGONIKETAN continues to support the artisan communities of Purulia while bringing this vibrant craft into contemporary spaces.