Yellow Olive Cheriyal Mask – Hand-painted Folk Art

Cheriyal artisans have traditionally painted each mask in a single dominant colour, but in recent years the same Nakashi families near Warangal in Telangana have begun experimenting with two-tone palettes for collectors who want the folk-art language without a single, uniform block of colour on the wall. This pair pairs golden yellow with a deeper olive green — one mask leaning warm, the other closer to the tone of the region's black-cotton soil after rain — while keeping every step of the traditional process untouched.

The base of each mask is hand-built from tamarind seed paste and sawdust over a wooden core, left to dry over several days, then given a white lime undercoat before the features are painted freehand — no stencils, no printing. This is the same method used for the masks that were once carried by wandering storytellers of the Chindu tradition, held up before a crowd to bring a scene from a ballad or a piece of local folklore to life. Today it survives with only a small number of Nakashi families still practising it, which is part of why each piece, however similar in form, is never quite identical to the last.

As a pair meant for a shared wall, this two-tone set works well for someone furnishing an eclectic or gallery-style living room, where a single strong colour block might feel too matched but two related earthy tones sit comfortably among other art.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Will both masks in the pair look exactly alike apart from colour?
No — they're a male and female pair with distinct facial features and headgear, and being hand-painted, each one will carry small individual brushwork variations too.

What's the mask made from?
A traditionally built base of tamarind seed powder and sawdust over a wooden core, finished with cotton cloth detailing and natural pigments.

How is it meant to be displayed?
Each mask has a hanging loop at the back, so the pair can be mounted directly on a wall, spaced apart or close together depending on your layout.

How do I keep it clean?
A dry, soft cloth for dusting is all it needs. Keep it away from water and direct sunlight, both of which can affect the natural colours and the tamarind-sawdust base.

Is this suitable for a humid or coastal home?
It's best kept in a covered, dry indoor space. Prolonged humidity isn't ideal for the organic base materials.

Does this make a good gift?
Yes, particularly for someone who collects folk art or wants a distinctive piece for a home that already has an eclectic mix of art on the walls.