Kushmandi Wooden Mask – Tribal King (15 Inches)

Provenance

Known locally as Mukha, Kushmandi wooden masks hold deep ritual significance within the Rajbanshi community of South Dinajpur, West Bengal. These masks are integral to the Gomira dance, a ceremonial, non-vocal ritual performed to invoke protective forces and cleanse villages of negative energies.

The Tribal King mask embodies leadership, vigilance, and spiritual authority. Its exaggerated facial features—bloodshot eyes, flared nostrils, pronounced fangs, and an open mouth—are deliberately carved to project dominance and supernatural power. During Gomira performances, dancers wearing the mask are believed to enter trance-like states, becoming vessels for the spirit they represent rather than mere performers.

Each piece is handcrafted using seasoned neem or gamhar wood, traditionally treated through water or boric solution immersion and sun-drying to enhance durability and resistance to pests. The craft received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2016, recognising its cultural, historical, and artistic value. This mask has been handcrafted by Shri N. C. Sarkar, preserving a lineage of ritual craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Disclaimer

• As this is a handcrafted, traditional wooden mask, slight variations in colour, carving details, and facial expression are natural and intrinsic to the craft.
• These variations are not defects but a testament to its handmade nature and cultural authenticity.