Cheriyal Masks (Cheriyal Mukhaalu)

Cheriyal masks are part of the wider Cheriyal art tradition, which also includes the famous Cheriyal scroll paintings. The craft is practised by the Nakashi family community, who have passed it down through generations.

The masks are known for their exaggerated features: large, wide eyes, thick eyebrows, bold moustaches, prominent noses and decorated crowns. The base is made by pressing a paste of sawdust, tamarind seed gum and clay into moulds, adding layers of cloth and then drying it. The mask is then painted in vivid, mostly natural colours. Finishing touches such as mirrors, beads, hair and ornaments give each mask a distinct character.

Cheriyal art is believed to be around 400 to 500 years old, developing in the Deccan region under local patronage. The Nakashi families were traditionally storytellers who travelled from village to village with scroll paintings and narrated epics to communities. Masks developed alongside the scrolls as a visual and performative element of this tradition.

Over time, patronage declined and artisans moved toward souvenirs and decorative pieces. In recent decades, government support, handicraft exhibitions and artist-led efforts have helped revive the craft and bring it national and international attention. Cheriyal scroll painting received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which also helped draw attention to the broader Cheriyal craft community.

The masks bring mythological characters to life in village folk performances and storytelling traditions.
They represent gods such as Narasimha, Hanuman and Rama, and demons such as Ravana, Hiranyakashipu and Mahishasura.
They preserve Telangana’s folk theatre, oral storytelling and community identity.
They are used as home decor, wall hangings and gifts, keeping the craft economically alive for artisan families.
The craft is a symbol of Telangana’s rich cultural heritage and its deep link between art, religion and folk performance.