MASKS

The Masks made by the chhow dancers of Purulia districts though fall under the group of paper mash but its peculiarly is that the craftsmen do not use any negative mould. For every mask, they first make a clay model of the desired shape and design. Several layers of scrap papers and old rags dipped in clay solutions are pasted over the green clay model. The clay is scooped out when the over coated layer gets dried. The mask then painted in bright colours and becomes ready for use of the dancers. These masks generally represent legendary or mythological heroes and demons and are used for dance party. The masks of kirat kirantini have become famous now a days.
  
The Darjeeling masks craved out of softwood then painted represent a class by themselves. These masks usually represent demons and evil spirit. These masks are also used in hill dances.