1. Mask making in Majuli had commenced since Sankardev introduced the use of mukha (mask) in the theatrical performance of Bhaona to portray different expressions of mythological characters

1. Mask making in Majuli had commenced since Sankardev introduced the use of mukha (mask) in the theatrical performance of Bhaona to portray different expressions of mythological characters

2. Sankardeva crafted masks of Brahma, Garuda and Hara for his inaugural one act play (Ankiya Naat) titled Cinha Yatra in 1468

2. Sankardeva crafted masks of Brahma, Garuda and Hara for his inaugural one act play (Ankiya Naat) titled Cinha Yatra in 1468

3. The Sattriya masks or Mukha are made from biodegradable raw materials like bamboo, cane, potter's clay (kumar maati), cow dung, jute fibre, paper, cotton cloth, shola pith, and natural colours. The craftsmen follow a sequential order to prepare the final product.

3. The Sattriya masks or Mukha are made from biodegradable raw materials like bamboo, cane, potter's clay (kumar maati), cow dung, jute fibre, paper, cotton cloth, shola pith, and natural colours. The craftsmen follow a sequential order to prepare the final product.

4. The process starts with making the basic structure using split bamboo arranged in a hexagonal shape. For pliability it requires jaatibaah (a type of bamboo) that is two to three years old.

4. The process starts with making the basic structure using split bamboo arranged in a hexagonal shape. For pliability it requires jaatibaah (a type of bamboo) that is two to three years old.

5. The hexagonal structure is covered with a layer of cotton cloth dipped in potter's clay. A mixture of clay and cow dung is further applied to the cloth and dried in the sunlight.

5. The hexagonal structure is covered with a layer of cotton cloth dipped in potter's clay. A mixture of clay and cow dung is further applied to the cloth and dried in the sunlight.

6. Once the mask is dried, the craftsmen work on its appearance. This stage is followed by glueing fabric on the mask dipped in clay. When the mask is completely dried, it is painted with natural colours.

6. Once the mask is dried, the craftsmen work on its appearance. This stage is followed by glueing fabric on the mask dipped in clay. When the mask is completely dried, it is painted with natural colours.

7. These masks are made based on morphological and structural purposes.

7. These masks are made based on morphological and structural purposes.

8. The morphological part includes a=loukik (worldly) and of oloukik (supernatural) masks. The loukik masks represent human beings and animals while the oloukik masks represent supernatural characters

8. The morphological part includes a=loukik (worldly) and of oloukik (supernatural) masks. The loukik masks represent human beings and animals while the oloukik masks represent supernatural characters

9. The structural purpose is divided into three types. Mukh mukha is a type made only to cover the face of the actor. Bor Mukha or Su Mukha is another type that covers almost the entire body of the performer.

9. The structural purpose is divided into three types. Mukh mukha is a type made only to cover the face of the actor. Bor Mukha or Su Mukha is another type that covers almost the entire body of the performer.

10. Apart from traditional theatrical performances, masks are used for home decorations and gifting as souvenirs too

10. Apart from traditional theatrical performances, masks are used for home decorations and gifting as souvenirs too

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