Tiger Pulikali Dance Mask
Kerala, South India
Early 20th century
Carved wood, polychrome pigment. Pigmented surface has been reapplied over time as previous layers have chipped or damaged.
H: 13 in W: 10 in x D: 7 in :: 33 cm x 25.5 cm x 18 cm
Tiger mask worn during the Tiger dance, Pulikali/ tiger play, performed by men adorned with the costume of a tiger during the Onam festival in different parts of Kerala. To achieve the semblance of a tiger, the dance -artists paint themselves in bright patterns of colors.
Inventory # 103944
SOLD