Chhau masks on display. Chhau is a popular folk dance form...

PURULIA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA - 2011/04/07: Chhau masks on display. Chhau is a popular folk dance form practiced in Purulia district of West Bengal. Mixing dance with martial art in a mock-combat style it is performed by male artistes. The themes of Chhau dance are mostly taken from Hindu mythology. An integral part of this dance form is the mask that dancers use. These masks are prepared by skilled artisans with the use of paper pulp and clay. Several layers of soft paper pulp mixed with the gum from mulberry plant are pasted on the clay models of masks after being dried in the sun. Later the masks are wrapped in a clay-soaked muslin cloth for a smooth texture and polished with a wooden spatula. At last the masks are painted and decorated according to the character (for example, bright yellow and orange are used for gods and goddesses while deep green and black are preferred for demons). (Photo by Subhendu Sarkar/LightRocket via Getty Images)