Mask Seller, originally uploaded by harishkrishnan.

On this Sunday evening, I was returning from some place (no idea where I went), and saw this mask seller. I had seen a mask seller after a very long time and I automatically took my phone and clicked this snap. Our country has been associated with masks from a very early time.

Indian masks have always been an important part of Indian culture. This ancient tradition has been carried down through the years and Indian masks are still made today.

Decorating the Indian masks was a very important part of mask making. Eyes and eyebrows were usually painted black, the hair was made of straw and often feathers were used to decorate the mask. Masks were often made to resemble certain animals and represented certain characteristics.

The masks are still popular at the dance drama festival of Bhagvad Mela at Melattur, TamilNadu, the Dassera celebration in Northern India and also in Kathakali, the famous traditional dance of Kerala.

Apart from the above said they are mostly viewed as pieces of art and sold as wall decorations in many galleries.