The flamboyant Chhau masks are essential for the ceremonial Chhau dance. The dance and the art form are native to Purulia in West Bengal, showcasing how crafts and performing arts are practiced together. The craft originated in Seraikella (present-day Jharkhand) and thrived under royal patronage. During this time, it further evolved into other dance forms like Mayurbhanj Chhau and the Purulia Chhau. The style flourished in Charida village in Bengal’s Purulia district.

Chhau masks were made by woodcarvers or sutradhars, traditionally in fagun, the winter months. The artists follow an elaborate process, wherein layers of pulped paper are immersed in glue and pasted on moulds. After clay and cloth is applied, the mask is dried in the sun. The artists hand-sculpt the features on the face, apply colours, and the embellish with ribbons, beads and other decorations. Some Chhau masks are finished with jute, artificial hair and fur, and elaborate headgear.

These masks portray a dazzling array of animals, demons, and deities, with unique expressions. They are worn with shimmering costumes mainly for the Chhau dance. This dance form narrates folk and tribal stories or martial-art tales, borrowing from mythology and reality. Wearing these masks symbolise the mythical change inside human beings, into super humans who vanquish evil.

Today, Chhau masks are sold as home décor items and souvenirs. Talented craftsmen also travel abroad to popularise the craft.

The Chhau mask style of Purulia was certified with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2018.

The West Bengal Government in associaition with UNESCO nurtures the Chhau mask tradition in a village called Charida. Situated in Purulia, the artists are supported by the Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises & Textiles. Charida village also has a Chhau museum.

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