The traditional handicrafts of Assam reflect not only artistic skill but also cultural and practical significance. Among these, the Majuli masks from Majuli Island are a symbol of Neo-Vaishnavite tradition, playing a central role in theatrical performances and religious rituals. These handcrafted masks, made from natural materials, are integral to the vibrant arts practiced in Satras, monastic institutions established by Srimanta Sankardev. Shamaguri Satra, in particular, has gained recognition for its mask-making tradition, which traces back to Assam’s first drama, Cihna Yatra. These masks, depicting gods, demons, animals, and more, range in size and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Assam.

Shree Sankardev’s Vision

He is the visionary man who developed the Neo-Vaishnavite religion in Majuli island. His mission aimed to make all human beings alike, regardless of caste and creed, guiding young men towards harmony. His philosophical ideas transcended religious and cultural boundaries. He sought not just to introduce a new religion but to bring about social change by simplifying rituals and making spirituality accessible to all. He wrote plays on the life of Lord Krishna, performed traditional Bhaona theatre in villages, and used masks in these performances to vividly portray characters, adding depth and meaning to the stories. From here, it starts—the tradition of Majuli masks.

Majuli Island

Majuli Island, a cultural and spiritual haven, has been central to Assamese Vaishnavite heritage for over five centuries. Known for its myrobalan-shaped landscape and vibrant flora and fauna, it hosts a diverse population including tribal groups like the Mishing and Deori, alongside non-tribal communities such as the Koch and Ahom. The island is distinguished by its numerous Satras, introduced by Srimant Sankardev, and each features four main architectural elements: Batcora, Hatis, Namghar, and Manikut. Historically, many of these Satras were established with royal patronage from the Ahom and Koch kings during the 17th century.

Majuli Mask Craftsmanship

Crafted from a unique blend of cow dung, clay, and bamboo, these masks begin with artisans meticulously carving the character’s face using three-dimensional bamboo, forming a detailed frame. This structure is then coated in a special clay mixture derived from the Brahmaputra River’s soil, combined with cow dung. After this, a thin muslin cloth is carefully wrapped around the mask, which is left to dry in the sun. Once fully dried, the mask is hand-painted using organic colours made from the leaves, roots, and bark of specific trees. Jute fiber and water hyacinth are incorporated to create realistic beards, mustaches, and hair, adding to the mask’s authenticity.

Let’s take a look at the different types of Mask Making:

Su-Mukha or Bor Mukha

This mask is renowned for its massive size and stands as the largest among all traditional masks, ranging from 8 to 10 feet in height. The name “Su-Mukha” derives from two components: “mukha,” referring to the head of the mask, and “su,” indicating the body. Due to its immense size, it is also known as “Bor-Mukha,” with “Bor” meaning “large.” It represents mythological figures such as Ravana, Narasimha, Narakasura, and Kumbhakarna.

Lutukai Mukha:

Unlike the Su-Mukha, these masks are designed with separate heads and bodies, allowing for greater flexibility in movement, especially in the hands and heads. Known for their exaggerated features—such as large eyes, sharp teeth, and distorted facial expressions—these masks are typically used to portray demons or evil spirits like Taraka, Shankhasura, and Bakasura. They are most commonly seen during the famous Ras-Leela festival of Majuli and the Bhaonas performances.

Mukh Mukha:

This mask designed exclusively for the face, covers the entire face of the performer. Accompanied by vibrant costumes and intricate jewellery, these performers bring their characters to life. The masks depict a wide range of figures, from benevolent deities like Krishna, Vishnu, and Rama to malevolent beings such as demons. They also represent animals and other symbolic figures, adding depth and diversity to the performance.

At present Majuli Mask Artist

For generations, the Goswami family has been renowned for their intricate and captivating craftsmanship in Majuli masks. These vibrant masks, which have become a sought-after souvenir among tourists worldwide, are a testament to the family’s enduring artistry. Over the years, they have trained numerous artisans in the traditional art of mask-making, ensuring the preservation of this cultural heritage. The family is especially known for creating traditional “mukhas” for the Raas festival, a significant cultural event. Among them, Kosha Kanta Deva Goswami was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2003 for his exceptional contributions to the art. Even at the age of 86, he continues to craft masks with passion and precision at the Natun Shamuguri Satra in Majuli.

To Conclude,

Majuli Island’s Mukha Shilpa has recently been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing its traditional art form and the island’s rich cultural heritage. This recognition by the Centre acknowledges the deep cultural heritage and historical significance embedded in these traditional folk crafts. What differentiates these masks from other folk masks across the country is that they are made from Indigenous materials of the island rather than Plaster of Paris and do not use synthetic colours. There are hundreds of satras in Assam, and among them is the Shamaguri Satra, which is famous worldwide for making this mask.  This art form passed down through generations or from guru to student, highlights the island’s dedication to preserving its cultural legacy.

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By Shrushti Patel