Brown Cheriyal Mask – Hand-painted Telangana Folk Art

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)

Frequently Asked Questions

What gives this mask its brown tone?
Natural pigments applied by hand, chosen here to give an earthen, terracotta-like finish rather than the brighter reds and yellows more commonly seen in the tradition.

Are both masks in the pair the same design?
No, one represents a male face and the other a female face, each with distinct headgear and jewellery detail.

How is it hung on the wall?
A loop fixed to the back of each mask allows for direct mounting on a nail or hook.

How do I maintain the piece?
Dust it with a dry, soft cloth periodically. Keep it away from water and out of direct sunlight to protect the colours and base material.

Would this suit a wood-and-rattan style interior?
Yes, its earthy brown tone tends to sit comfortably alongside wood furniture and natural-fibre décor.

Is this a good gift for someone who prefers muted, natural tones?
Yes, it's a good fit for anyone who wants folk art without a bright, high-saturation colour.