Sattvik, Tamsik and Rajsik – Cheriyal scroll masks

These masks are limited edition Cheriyal scroll masks made as a counterpart of our art installation SaRaTa at Indiaa first Art, Architecture and Design Biennale at Red fort launched on the 8th of December 2023 by the Hon PM of India.

SaTaRa is an enchanting art installation featuring three monumental Cheriyal masks, with each symbolising one of the three rasas of emotions: Sattvik, Tamsik, and Rajsik. The essence behind SaTaRa is to present an age-old interpretation of humanity’s inherent temperaments, urging individuals to explore and heighten their awareness of their core values.

The focal point of the installation is the Sattvik mask, embodying tranquility and fulfillment with its mildly closed eyes and peaceful smile. It symbolizes the significance of balance, serving as a reminder that the Sattvik rasa within us should surpass the other rasas.

In contrast, the Rajsik mask, smaller than the Sattvik yet larger than the Tamsik, depicts raised eyebrows, egoistic eyes, and an apathetic laugh, emphasizing the vices that arise from an excessive focus on material possessions.

The smallest mask, Tamsik, evokes a sense of anger with its furious eyes and sorrowful lips, illustrating the adverse consequences of being ensnared in compliance and negative habits.

The installation further seeks to establish a parallel between the rasas and the three lokas outlined in Vedic scriptures, linking Rajsik with Dev lok, Sattvik with Bhu-lok, and Tamsik with Pataal lok. This correlation ties into the ancient concept of karma, wherein actions in life lead to afterlife consequences on non-temporal planes, underscoring the idea that all our actions bear significance.

Ultimately, SaTaRa endeavours to instigate introspection, self-discovery, and the pursuit of righteousness among viewers.

Cheriyal masks are a counterpart of the better known Cheriyal scroll paintings. They have been important props in India’s historical storytelling tradition. The face masks represented the life-sized characters who appeared in the tales of Telangana’s wandering storytellers especially during village fairs or Jataras as they were called in local folklore. The storytellers travelled from village to village narrating stories on society, culture, and religion. While the bigger masks were stage props by the storyteller, smaller version of them were sold to the people as memorabilia. Today, Cheriyal masks with their striking colours make vibrant home decor for modern Indian homes.
These masks are made with eco-friendly materials like Tamarind Seed paste, saw dust, used cloth and natural colours.

Mask size is 7×5.5 inch.