Brown Cheriyal Mask – Hand-painted Telangana Folk Art
Description
Before synthetic dyes arrived, browns in Indian craft traditions came from earth itself — baked clay, tamarind, dried wood — and this pair of Cheriyal masks carries that same earthen tone, made in the village of Cheriyal near Warangal in Telangana using techniques that are themselves close to four centuries old. The Nakashi community that practises this craft was awarded a Geographical Indication tag in 2010, recognising a tradition unique to this one part of the country.
Each face is hand-built from tamarind seed paste and sawdust over a wooden core, dried gradually over several days, then coated in white lime before being hand-painted with natural pigments — the same slow, deliberate process once used to make masks that travelling storytellers carried from village to village, holding them up to add drama to a scene from a ballad or piece of folklore. Today, only a small number of families in Cheriyal continue the craft in these original materials.
This particular brown pair suits a den, a study lined with wood furniture, or any room built around natural, earthy materials, where its tone reads as grounding rather than as a bright accent colour.
Material: Tamarind seed powder, sawdust, cotton cloth, natural colours
Dimensions: 5 inches x 5 inches x 3 inches (pair)
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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.