The Sherdukpen tribe of Shergaon, Arunachal Pradesh is known for its unique traditions, including the Bardo Chaam dance, during which artisans wear colourful, animal-themed masks to celebrate their cultural heritage. However, over time, the art of mask-making has faded in the village. Recognising the importance of preserving this cultural legacy, Vanwasi Aadiwasi, in collaboration with the Garung Thuk NGO and with support from the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), launched an initiative in 2023 to revive the traditional mask-making practice.

The project began with a foundational three-day workshop, led by master artisan Pema Tashi, the last remaining artist practising this craft in the distant Morsing village. This ongoing effort is currently supported by Royal Enfield, WTI, and Project Felis.

A follow-up session on ‘The Revival of Indigenous Traditional Wood Mask Making’ was recently conducted from 13th to 15th October 2024 in Shergaon, which focused on delivering advanced techniques to selected participants under the guidance of Pema Tashi. The theme of the workshop was centered on ‘Forgotten cats of Shergaon’, specifically focusing on the creation of a tiger mask, a significant character in the Bardo Chaam dance.

The participants crafted tiger masks as the species is significant to the traditional Bardo Chaam dance | Photo by Tripti Shukla

On the first day, participants revisited skills they had learned in the initial workshop. The second and third days were solely dedicated to advanced training, where they took on the challenge of making tiger masks. The idea was to raise awareness about wild cat conservation, adding a deeper purpose to the craft. The workshop successfully engaged the participants, who were able to complete their respective masks at the end of the session.

The continuation of these mask-making sessions supports the preservation of both cultural and natural heritage. By crafting masks inspired by the wildlife of their region, participants not only honed their artistic skills but also became stewards of their community’s tradition, ensuring that these stories, crafts, and species remain alive in and around Shergaon for future generations.

This workshop marked a significant step toward reviving an indigenous craft that had nearly disappeared from the community. Where there was once a lack of active artisans in this region, there are now over ten trained mask-makers. Notably, younger members of the community participated this year, showing the interest generated in the craft’s preservation for future generations.

Norbu Thungon, a participant, expressed that participating in the workshop has instilled a deep sense of responsibility to protect their culture, which is gradually fading. Despite having other commitments, he took time off to attend the three-day workshop and contribute to the revival of the indigenous craft.

The workshop on traditional wooden mask-making helped engage the community | Photo by Tripti Shukla

Pema Tashi shared that this was his second time training participants in mask-making and urged young people to get involved to help keep this craft alive. He found the enthusiasm of the participants incredibly rewarding and felt a sense of peace knowing that the legacy of this art would continue even after he is gone.

Dorjee Khandu Khrimey, a Bardo Chaam dancer, expressed that he never imagined he could create a mask. He challenged himself to create one and expressed gratitude to Guru Pema Tashi for his guidance, as well as to Garung Thuk for providing this opportunity.

N.D. Thungon, an organiser on the first day, decided to make a mask by himself which turned out to be an unexpectedly emotional experience.

Younger members of the community expressed interest in the craft | Photo by Tripti Shukla

Tripti Shukla is an independent wildlife researcher and artist. Founder of the ‘Vanwasi-Aadiwasi’ project, she is working with tribal communities of India and documenting their traditional practices in the context of how their art, culture and heritage contribute to nature conservation.