Drawing from epics, mythology and folk tales, mask-making in Assam continues

From the archive record

This artistic practice from the northeast region is just a microcosm of what India, as a culturally rich and diverse nation, has to offer when it comes to the indigenous practice of mask-making. This tradition, however, is a universally followed practice, as art historian Alka Pande rightly points out that “masks represent a living culture and were created not only for several religious or ceremonial purposes but also for beautification (Venetian masks) or as a masquerade to hide identity”. In India too, the art of mask making is an expression of traditions, environment, mythology and even imagination, and it is not every day that one gets to view some of the many mask-making practices that exist in our country under one roof. Masks, also known as mukhas, are said to be the base of the Ass