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History Of Use

This type of mask, although now primarily made for sale as decoration, traditionally was used by pilgrims/devotees in 'puja' (worship) in prayer dances which portray the lives of the gods or goddesses that are depicted on the masks. This mask is of the Hindu goddess, probably either Durga or Lakshmi. It would therefore either be used for the Durga or Lakshmi Puja. Traditionally, these masks were actually worn in the puja dances and unlike this one, had actual holes for eyes that the dancer/devotee could look through. Now the masks have painted eyes.

Iconographic Meaning

Depicts Hindu goddess or 'devi'.

Description

Papier-mache mask of woman's face. The face has the following facial features: prominent red coloured lips that are outlined in black, a pointed nose, eyes and eye brows outlined in black, a round jaw line, and protruding ears decorated with round yellow painted earrings. The woman wears a raised yellow painted crown that is decorated with white, light brown, red and green linear designs. There are white dotted circular designs on each cheek and in the middle of the woman's forehead.