Lilac Cheriyal Mask – Hand-painted Telangana Folk Art
Description
Lilac has no real place in the traditional Cheriyal palette, which historically leans on reds, ochres, and deep greens sourced from natural pigments — which is exactly what makes this pair notable. It's a contemporary colour choice from Nakashi artisans in Cheriyal village, near Warangal in Telangana, who are otherwise following a mask-making process close to 400 years old, one that earned a Geographical Indication tag in 2010 for its uniqueness to this region.
The build is unchanged from the classic technique: tamarind seed paste and sawdust shaped over a wooden core, dried across several days, sealed with white lime, and then hand-painted with a fine brush — only the pigment choice has been updated for a more contemporary jewel-tone interior. This is the same fundamental process once used to make the masks carried by travelling Chindu storytellers, held up before village crowds to accompany scenes from religious ballads, a craft now sustained by only a small number of families still working in these original materials.
For a collector who wants genuine folk-art craftsmanship but is furnishing a more modern, jewel-toned space, this lilac pair offers the traditional process in a palette that sits more naturally against contemporary furniture and wall colours.
Material: Tamarind seed powder, sawdust, cotton cloth, natural colours
Dimensions: 5 inches x 5 inches x 3 inches (pair)
Frequently Asked Questions
Time to Dispatch
Instruction for Care
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.