Design Resource
Mukha Shilpa Assam
Traditional Art of Mask Making
by
Samaguri Satra
Since antiquity the tradition of mask making has been traditionally carried out by the satras, the institutional centers of Vaishnavism. Masks are observed to have different forms and colours making them easily noticeable from the other characters of the bhaonas. These satras in Assam are religious schools where people of different caste, creed or community can join and practice the religion. Started by Srimanta Shankardeva, satras became popular centers of education for religion, culture and lifestyle; and Vaishnism took a revolutionary turn among all sections of people. At present only a few satras are involved with the making of masks - Samaguri satra and Kamalabari satra. The masks of Samaguri satra, are renowned for their creativity in the art form. Samaguri satra was established in 1663 by Sri Sri Chakrapani, grandson of Srimanta Shankardeva. This art form has been passed down through generations of satriya bhakats (priests). This unique piece of art has been able to attract the interest of millions and has recently made its way to the British Museum for the same.
Satras have namghars. Namghars are the prayer halls, a place for socio-cultural exhibition and function and also a reservoir of religious scriptures. People here are constantly exposed to these scriptures, through prayers, discussions and dramas which help them in better understanding of mythical figures. Places like these can be sources of inspiration for character developers. Creativity is affected due to the lack of financial resources. The lack of availability of a constant market has its affect on these craftsmen.
