Description Konkan region (Karnataka) Wood This attractive folk Ganesha mask with an elongated trunk and a multi-tiered crown would have been used by the Kokna tribesmen during festival processions. The Kokna are a major tribe found in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Rajasthan. The tribe carve masks representing mythological characters for the Bhavada festival. This festival is a combination of dance and drama, celebrated during March and April. The masks were carved from soft wood, which allows for intricate detailing of various facial expressions. Modern masks are now made from Papier-mâché as they are lighter and more durable. The characters of the tribal masks represent either deities, including Vishnu, Ravana and Ganesha, ancestral spirits, totems, mythological characters, animals and birds. Every dancer enacts steps typical of the character whose mask he wears, as he dances to the tune of musical instruments like the Sur, Kahali and Sambal. During the festival procession, masked dancers enact myths from tribal folklore as well as Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Size with stand (cms): 78(H) x 16(W) x 23(D) Size with stand (inches): 30.5(H) x 9(W) x 6.5(D)
