Regal Presence: Kushmandi Tribal King Wooden Mask

Provenance

Known locally as Mukha, Kushmandi wooden masks are deeply embedded in the ritual life of the Rajbanshi community of South Dinajpur, West Bengal. These masks are central to the Gomira dance — a ceremonial, non-vocal performance enacted to invoke protective forces and drive away negative energies from villages.

The Tribal King mask embodies authority and guardianship within this symbolic tradition. Its bold features — wide-set eyes, flared nostrils, pronounced fangs, and exaggerated contours — are intentionally carved to convey dominance and vigilance. During performances, dancers wearing these masks are believed to enter trance-like states, embodying the spirit of leadership rather than merely portraying it.

Each mask is carved by hand from seasoned wood, shaped with deliberate force and restraint, and finished in vivid hues traditionally associated with power and protection. In 2016, the Kushmandi Wooden Mask craft was awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Government of India, affirming its cultural and artisanal significance. This piece has been handcrafted by Shri N. C. Sarkar, continuing a living tradition shaped by ritual, community, and belief.

Disclaimer

• Each mask is handcrafted; minor variations in colour, grain, and detailing may occur

• These variations are inherent to the material and process, making every piece unique