Gauri mask

Title

Gauri mask

Year/Period

19th century

Region

Maharashtra, India

Material

Brass

Technique

This mask is made with mould casting and engraving technique and it is hollow from the back. There are holes in the nose and ears for hanging ornaments for beautification. From the smooth surface and slight repairs to the face one can discern that the mask would have been excessively used.

Dimension

Object size: 40.0 x 25.0 x 14.0 cm

Accession No.

1995-00899

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

This mask depicts the face of Gauri, another name for Hindu goddess Parvati. Gauri's headgear and ear ornaments clearly indicate that this piece represents the goddess in the Marathi style whose head or mask is decorated during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.This festival is celebrated in the months of August-September for a period of ten days and women celebrate a fertility rite by installing images of Gauri on mounds of grain, which would be dressed up like a married woman and worshipped for a few days. Parvati is associated with fertility, prosperity and women worship her for longevity of their husbands.