Kerala is a significant seat of India’s art, craft, and culture. Kerala is one of the leading centers where the conventional east blends with the activist west. Though colonial influences had introduced various changes, the tradition of Kerala remained untouched, which is well evident in the arts and crafts of the state. One of the most well-known forms of dance in Kerala is Kathakali, which holds considerable significance in the history and tradition of Kerala.
Kathakali is recognized for its unique form of makeup and dress. The Kathakali Masks of Kerala are nothing but masks that replicate the faces of the Kathakali dancers with the colors and cosmetics applied to their faces.
How are Kathakali Masks in Kerala made?
The Kathakali Masks are available as souvenirs and showpieces. The masks, made of clay or plaster of Paris, or paper mache, are the ideal decorative items. These trinkets are painted green at the base and decorated with beads and black hairdos. The elaborate costumes of the Kathakali dance make it attractive and unique to not only domestic tourists but also international visitors.
Why are Kathakali Masks in Kerala different?
There are various distinctions in the characteristics of the masks, depending on the face color, beard, and headdress. These differences are made according to the dancers’ performances and their roles. For example, the green-colored face represents the virtuous and noble, the ‘kathi’, or the knife, symbolizes the proud, unrighteous, and aggressive, the red beard represents the destructive and demonic, white ‘thadi’, or beard, indicates the legendary and fantastic, and the black beard represents the cave dwellers or tribal men. These different characters portray different divisions of society.
What Kathakali Masks in Kerala depicts?
According to Indian mythology, the Kathakali Masks represent different moods and characteristics of society. Other characters have extra significance, and it is believed that the people of Kerala prefer to keep the green-colored masks in their homes, which symbolize goodness and truth. Apart from the male characters, there is a female character named “Minukku.” This character is not only restricted to representing the female, but it also represents the Brahmin and the sages.
Multi-hued crafts and works of art are a popular village industry in Kerala, and the detailed and intricate designs give an attractive edge to the masks. Tourists can buy these masks from the government emporiums and the local stalls. However, don’t forget to bargain before you buy your Kathakali masks!
If you are planning to visit Kerala, then check out our Kerala tour packages.
