Description:

       Here we have a beautiful antique  Bhuta kola mask, the divine boar, made of Brass from Karnataka. Bhuta in Sanskrit/ Kannada means spirit or ghost and Kola in Tulu means play/ ceremony.  Bhuta Kola Mask, also known as Panjuruli, is a traditional mask used in the coastal regions of Karnataka, India.

While Bhuta Kola Masks are traditionally crafted from wood or papier-mâché, the use of brass elevates their significance in several ways. Brass is a durable and long-lasting material. By creating Bhuta Kola Masks from brass, artisans ensure their longevity, allowing them to be passed down through generations, symbolizing the enduring presence of the deities they represent. Today, these masks are not only revered for their religious and spiritual value but also recognized as important artistic and cultural artifacts.

         According to one account in the history of Panjurli, the villages of Coastal Karnataka faced issues with boars frequently intruding and causing damage to their cultivated lands. In response, the farmers began worshiping and making offerings to Panjurli, a spirit manifested as a boar, with the intention of pacifying its temper and ensuring the protection of their fields from wild animals.         

It is crafted using the lost wax technique, which has been used for over 5700 years. The lost-wax process, also known as cire-perdue, is a way of making metal objects. First, a wax model is made, which is then put into a mold. The mold is filled with molten metal, which melts the wax and takes its place. The “lost wax” technique is so called because the wax model is destroyed in order to create the piece. The technique is sometimes called the “lost mold” technique because the mold, too, is destroyed in the process.

This authentic Bhuta Kola Mask is a perfect addition to your collection of folk artefacts. Crafted with care, it is sure to be a conversation starter and make any room in your home look stunning. The Bhuta Kola Mask is a valuable artwork that is sure to last for generations.