Red Yellow Cheriyal Mask – Hand-painted Folk Art

Red and yellow are, between them, the two colours most historically associated with Cheriyal scroll painting, the art form this mask-making tradition grew out of — red as the usual background shade, yellow among the natural pigments most frequently layered over it. This pair, painted in both together, sits closer to the classic Cheriyal colour story than a single-tone piece, made in the village of Cheriyal near Warangal in Telangana by the Nakashi community, whose craft was awarded a Geographical Indication tag in 2010.

Each mask is built from tamarind seed paste and sawdust over a wooden core, dried across several days, coated in white lime, and hand-painted with natural pigments and fine linework for the eyes, jewellery, and headgear — a process unchanged since the days when travelling storytellers held these very masks up before a village crowd to punctuate a scene from a religious ballad or folk tale. Today, this craft is kept alive by only a handful of Nakashi families still working in these original materials.

As one of the boldest colour combinations available, this pair suits a statement wall, an entryway, or a gallery arrangement built around other saturated folk-art pieces, and makes for striking, unmistakably Indian gifting for a housewarming or festive occasion.

Material: Tamarind seed powder, sawdust, cotton cloth, natural colours

Dimensions: 5 inches x 5 inches x 3 inches (pair)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are red and yellow paired together here?
These are two of the most historically used colours in Cheriyal scroll painting, so a red-and-yellow mask sits close to the tradition's classic colour language.

What does the pair include?
A hand-painted male and female mask, each with individual facial features, headgear, and jewellery detail.

How is it hung?
Each mask has a loop fixed to the back for direct wall mounting.

How do I care for it?
Dust with a soft, dry cloth only, and keep it away from water and direct sunlight to protect the natural pigments.

Is it suitable for a bright, bold interior?
Yes, its strong two-tone palette works particularly well as a focal piece against a neutral or muted wall.

Would this make a good festive or housewarming gift?
Yes, the colour combination and the craft's cultural roots both make it well suited to celebratory gifting.