Vinayaka Wooden Mask

This mask depicts lord Ganeshsa. Ganesha's elephant head makes him easy to identify.Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles,the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom. As the god of beginnings, he is honoured at the start of rites and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as patron of letters and learning during writing sessions.

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.