NDLI: Purulia Chho Mask

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Northern America and Arctic Region

Mesoamerica, the Caribbean and South America

Himalayan Range and Central Asia

South East Asia

Purulia Chho Mask

Content Provider	IGNCA - Man and Mask
Description	Chho, the masked dance, is performed in Baisakh throughout the Jharkhand cultural belt. The main centre of Chho in West Bengal is the Purulia District. The repertoire of Purulia Chho is largely dependant for its content on the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and some episodes from the Puranas and these stories frequently take on points of emphasis that are specific to concerns of the inhabitants of the region. The dance technique of the style is distinct, highly structured, and vigorous. The masks worn by the dancers are vivid and strong and are tied close to the face. It needs great strength and balance for a dancer to leap and jump with a mask such as Ravana's supplemented by a heavy helmet and ten heads arranged horizontally. Chho masks range from the demonic mask of Kumbhakarna to the placid masks of Rama, Arjun, and Krishna. In Purulia, the Bhumij and the Muras perform Purulia Chho and the Doms are the hereditary accompanying musicians. The musical orchestra is comprised of Sehnai, Dhol, and Dhumsa. Chorida is the main centre of making Chho masks and the craftsmen are the Sutradhars. They also make images of village deities and those used for Durga Puja. The masks are made with earth, rags, and paper; wood is used only occasionally. The mask makers also make crowns worn by dancers. Purulia troops compete within villages and are supported from household funds and troupes have also performed internationaly to great acclaim.
Access Restriction	Open
Subject Keyword	Abhimanju Ancient Human Practice Anthropology Anthropomorphic Art Work Arjun Art History Baisakh Bhumij Ceremonies and Practices Chorida Decorative Mask Dhol Dhumsa Disguise Drama Theraphy Durga Puja Jhumar Kirat Krishna Kumbhakarna Museum Object Ornamentation Performance Performing Art Puranas Purulia District Rama Ravana Ritual Mask Sculpture Sehnai Shiva West Bengal
Content Type	Image Text
Resource Type	Visual Artwork

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