NDLI: Gamira Mask

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Gamira Mask

Content Provider	IGNCA - Man and Mask
Description	Gamira is one of the masked dances of the West Dinajpur district of West Bengal, most likely acquring its name from the Gambhira tradition of the nearby Malda District. It is exclusively performed by the Desi and Poliya communities in front of the village shrine for Shiva on the occasion of the annual Gamira festival. The festival is celebrated any time between the last day of Chaitra (Chaitra Sankranti) and end of Jaishtha. .The masked dances have no specific dramatic themes, but solo dances invoking manifestations of Shakti as Chandi and Kali, etc are performed. Shiknidhal, a powerful and dangerous local deity with a striking and unique mask, also receives much attention. Solo dances of characters such as Jatayu and Taraka from Rama Banabas Pala, a masked dramatization of the Ramayana, are also performed. The Bura and Buri (Old Man and Old Woman) provide comic relief. In Mahishasurbadh, Durga and Mahishasur do not wear masks, but the tiger has a mask and Mahishasur's body is painted deep blue.The musical accompaniment is provided by musicians of the Desi and Poliya communities on dhak, shenai(locally known as mehena)and kansi (gong). Both benign and terrible spirits are believed to inhabit the masks. Debanshi, the Ojha, or the priest, controls the spirits and sanctifies the performing space by sprinkling water on the masked dancers, who sometimes go into trance while performing. The mask is made by local wood carvers from carefully selected Gamair wood. The Government of India has set up a training centre for making masks in Krishnabati, a village in the district.
Access Restriction	Open
Subject Keyword	Ancient Human Practice Anthropology Anthropomorphic Art Work Art History Ceremonies and Practices Chaitra Sankranti Decorative Mask Disguise Drama Theraphy Gambhira Gamira Malda Museum Object Ornamentation Performance Performing Art Ramayana Ritual Mask Sculpture West Bengal West Dinajpur District
Content Type	Image Text
Resource Type	Visual Artwork

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