Ardhanarishwara Wooden Mask

This intricately crafted mask depicts Ardhanarishvara in vibrant colors, often utilized in ceremonial or practical purposes; they also make a wise gift on auspicious occasions or just to explore the spiritual side of you. Lord Shiva and Kali become one soul and body known as Ardhanarishvara.

The ecstatic wooden masks of Kushmandi in Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal have inspired from animistic practices of the Rajbongshi community of the area. The masks are used by the villages either during the dance performance ˜Gomira" or as an offering to the village deity in order to usher good forces and fend for the evil. Gomira dance is also known as "Mukha Khel"- which perhaps derives from what one master mask maker explains as... "We give fear a face and then play with it to overcome that fear."

Locally available wood such as Gamar trees, Mango trees are used to make these masks.  Wood pieces are kept submerged in large reservoirs containing water mixed with mulberry gum powder, bleaching powder and sal; the pieces are taken out after a week and sun-dried. The basic form emerges first with the use of the adze, followed by emphasis on facial features. Gomira masks were painted with natural dyes.

It has a hook on the back for hanging.

This hand-crafted Ardhanarishwara wooden mask could be one of the most exotic items you own.