Garuda Cheriyal Mask – Hand-painted Telangana Folk Art
Description
Garuda, the great eagle who serves as Vishnu's vahana, or vehicle, is traditionally associated with speed, strength, and protection — an image often placed at temple entrances and gateways for exactly that reason. This Cheriyal mask, made in the village of Cheriyal near Warangal in Telangana, brings that same figure into a hand-painted wall form, built using a mask-making technique the Nakashi community has practised for roughly 400 years.
Like every mask in this tradition, it begins as a wooden core shaped with tamarind seed paste and sawdust, dried over several days, coated in white lime, and then hand-painted using natural pigments, with the beak, feathered crown, and facial expression worked in freehand. The craft was recognised with a Geographical Indication tag in 2010 and is today kept alive by only a small number of practising families in the village.
Given Garuda's traditional association with protection and guardianship, this mask is often chosen for an entryway or a wall near the main door, and makes a meaningful housewarming gift for anyone who appreciates that symbolism alongside the craft itself.
Material: Tamarind seed powder, sawdust, cotton cloth, natural colours
Dimensions: 6 inches x 6.5 inches x 3.25 inches
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Brand Philosophy
When you order from EthniiChic, you receive more than just a product—you bring home a piece of India’s cultural heritage.
Each creation is handcrafted with care, hand-painted with authentic traditional art forms, and finished to perfection for lasting quality.
Expect vibrant storytelling through design, eco-conscious craftsmanship, and timely, well-packaged delivery that ensures your order arrives safe and ready to adorn your space / yourself.
DISCLAIMER
At EthniiChic, we celebrate the artistry of handmade products, each lovingly crafted by skilled artisans.
Due to this unique handmade nature, minor variations and subtle surface textures are natural and should be embraced as hallmarks of authentic charm and individuality, rather than defects.
Please note that the actual colors of our products may vary slightly depending on your device's screen resolution and any accessories shown in product images are for styling purposes only and are not included with your purchase.