Teal Cheriyal Mask – Hand-painted Telangana Folk Art
Description
Peacock feathers have long supplied Indian craft traditions with a particular blue-green that doesn't quite match either colour on its own, and it's that same teal that colours this pair of Cheriyal masks from the village of Cheriyal, near Warangal in Telangana. The craft behind it is roughly 400 years old, practised by the Nakashi community and awarded a Geographical Indication tag in 2010 for being unique to this one part of the country.
The base of each mask is hand-built from tamarind seed paste and sawdust over a wooden core, dried across several days depending on the season, then given a white lime undercoat before an artist paints the features freehand using natural colours — no printing, no stencils, just a steady brush and years of practised hand. It's the same process that produced the masks once carried by wandering storytellers, held aloft to punctuate a scene during a village performance of a religious ballad or piece of local folklore, a tradition kept alive today by only a handful of families in Cheriyal.
Teal's slightly cooler, festive edge makes this pair a natural fit for a verandah, a living room that leans toward jewel tones, or as part of a Diwali or Onam-season refresh of a gallery wall.
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.