Pair of Indian Cheriyal Masks. Wood backing, papier mache top, painted over with pigments utilizing tamarind and other indigenous spices, and small openings for the mouth, nose, and eyes. One is male, one is female, designed as stock characters utilized in traditional traveling storytelling. Both have strings attached to them inside for wall-hanging as art. 

Largest Size: 7 1/2 x 9 1/2 x 4 in. 

Cheriyal masks are traditional masks originating from Telangana, India roughly 400 years ago, deeply tied to the Nakashi artform and the village of Cheriyal. Historically used by wandering storytellers for theater and folklore performances, these masks evolved from religious storytelling aids into decorative handicrafts. They are crafted using natural ingredients like tamarind paste and sawdust, with a carved wood backing then decorated with vibrant colors on a layer of dried mud, papier mache, or other slick surface.

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