Unmasking the Origins

Buddeshwar, the original mask maker, is a revered figure in Charida, a village that is the central hub for the production of this craft. He produced the first female and male masks, Kirat and Kiratani, symbolizing the divinity of Lord Shiva and Parvati, respectively. The Chhau demon masks exhibit intricate craftsmanship alongside more basic designs, reflecting the allure and versatility of this craft. Although the origins of the craft lie in religious contexts, the artisans have adapted and evolved the craft beyond the traditional representations. Today, their masks represent contemporary figures too, such as political personalities.

The tradition of performing the Chhau dance and wearing Chhau masks dates back generations. The mantle of producing these coveted masks lies with a few hundred families who reside in Charida. Strolling through the town, one can see workshops run by skilled artisans on both sides of the village roads. The artisans showcase a few of their artworks on the walls of their homes, giving a glimpse of the craftsmanshiop in the workshops. A simplistic yet careful combination of paper crafting, clay and conventional painting techniques gives credence to the artistic heritage of Chhau masks. Traditionally, artisans used ropes, reeds, and natural dyes as the primary raw material for making Chhau masks. Now, the artisans have evolved in their techniques and also use plastic and synthetic dyes. These newer masks are smaller and ideal for addition to one's living space at homes too.