Jumadi Mask

DESCRIPTION

Bhuta Masks are considered sacred and are an important part of Bhuta Kola, a ritual dance performance prevalent among the Hindus of Tulu Nadu and other parts of Karnataka, India. The term Bhuta Kola refers to spirit play in Tulu. Male performers participating in Bhuta Kola event wear similar masks and clad their torsos with breastplates, in addition to elaborate headgear, ornaments, and body paint.

This antique brass mask is possibly a Jumadi Bhuta Mask. Jumadi, also known as Dhumavathi, is a deity worshiped particularly in the Tulu Nadu region. It depicts the face of the Goddess Jumadi or Dhumavati with a pair of upturned curved fangs, mustache, thick eyebrows and is adorned with an aureole crown of serpent heads which is considered as a symbol of strength, bravery, and supremacy. The dark hue of this vintage tarnished brass Bhuta Mask adds to it?s quaintness.