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 India’a 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.

   DETAILS
• Size: 5 inches each mask and this price is inclusive of the frame 
• These masks are made with eco-friendly materials like Tamarind Seed paste, saw dust, used cloth and natural colours.
• Handpainted in Cheriyal scroll of traditional art
• These masks are made to order and will be made and delivered within 2 weeks in India

Each of our artworks are hand painted by master artists across India. We provide an authentication certificate with this artwork signed by the artist.

The sizes mentioned are excluding the borders of the artwork.

Frames shown are for visual representation only and are not included with the artwork. We offer framing services on demand at additional costs. If you wish to get your artwork framed, please reach out to us on WhatsApp or email.

We take custom artwork orders, please use the WhatsApp chat below or email us at wecare@memeraki.com to discuss your requirements in more detail.

We ship worldwide, Our Prices are inclusive of GST/Taxes in India. For International Orders, any specific custom duties you may encounter in your home country during the delivery has to borne by the buyer.

For all artworks expect Lippan and Terracotta, No additional charges are applicable for domestic deliveries. For International Orders shipping charges of ₹2500 INR are applicable.

For Lippan and Terracotta Artworks, We charge a Shipping rate on a per Kilogram basis. You can see your final Shipping Rate before checkout or view our pricing here.

All artworks are packed and couriered securely in a tube.

Ready To Ship/ In Stock artworks are shipped in under 2 weeks. We only accept return requests for Ready to Ship/ In stock artworks placed within a week from date of delivery.

Made To Order artworks will take 2-3 weeks to be made and shipped once they are ready. Returns are not applicable on Made To Order artworks.

All artworks on the website are hand painted from scratch by our master artists. That makes every artwork absolutely unique and the actual colour and overall artwork may vary slightly from the artwork image posted here.