Wooden Mask of Kushmandi

The wooden mask of Kushmandi, West Bengal is mainly of two types, one that is used in household for the decoration purposes and the other one used in the traditional Gomira dance. Both masks are made by the same process and materials with some differences. If the mask is to be used for the purpose of dancing, only then the eyes, mouth, etc are hollowed out. The masks are made from “pure woods” such as wood from Neem tree, as per Hindu mythology. Mostly, the artists use wood from “gamar tree”. Locally available and cheaper wood such as mango, pakur, kadam, gamhar and teak are also used The Gamar wood gives the mask a unique character. Gamar wood is strong, and durable and is termite free. The masks are made mostly with wood of Gamar tree which is locally grown in the area. This soft wood is termite resistant. Moreover, natural colour is made by the artists to colour the masks brown. Fruit of a locally grown tree called Basatbot is used to extract the colour. The intrinsic excellence of wooden mask makers of Kushmandi gives a distinct identity to the wooden mask craft. The knowledge, skill and tradition that flow from generation to generation have a great deal in the craftsmanship of the wooden mask makers.