Mukhauta. मुखौटा ~ Chhau Mask From Bengal

Chhau is a dance of wars and has steps resembling a martial art performance. It has the merits of 'Nritta' or nature of 'Tandav' as described in the 'Natyashastra' of Bharat. The forms have also evolved according to the regional characteristics. As a result there are two other styles from the original style of Seraikella Chhau Dance : Mayurbhanj style and Purulia style. 

The artisans use local material to make these masks...First a clay model for the mask is made and dried in direct sunlight to make it hard. After finishing the mask is coloured and decorated with embellishments according to the character it represents. Wool, jute, foil, bamboo sticks, plastic flowers and beads are used for ornamentation. All the members of a family are involved in its making. The youngsters of the family are also engaged... Artisans have also improvised dance accessories as art pieces...