Depictions in rock art suggest that the prehistoric hunters used "masks" to establish contact with the forces of 'World of Nature' and the 'World of Supernaturals' as well. The traditions of mask-wearing exist in some parts of the world till date, especially in the "Tribal World". And here, the masks continue to play a vital role of communication both in religious and social activities of many tribal societies.
Dr. C. Maheswaran, Curator for Anthropology Government Museum, Chennai has studied and documented the Masking Traditions in Tribal India. The Department of Museums is very keen in publishing this monograph as one of its new publications during this financial year of 2008-2009, with the financial assistance of Government of India and Government of Tamil Nadu.
This study of Dr.C.Maheswaran on the masking tradition of the tribes in India will certainly enthrall the readers both by its narrative part and the illustrative plates as well.
I hope that the people of all walks of life will find this monograph an interesting work of highly useful nature. I am indeed happy to bring out this book as one of the new publications of the Government Museum, Chennai in this financial year 2008-2009.
The International Council of Museums (ICOM), in 2001, stressed the significance of the study and documentation of intangible cultural heritage, besides the traditional focus on the tangible objects of cultural heritage. Realizing this fact, I have ventured in studying and documenting the various facets of intangible cultural heritage of different ethnic groups. "The Masking Tradition in Tribal India' is the outcome of one such original research work done by me in this direction, independently during my curatorial career.
Tribal masks in isolation and away from their original cultural contexts seem to cease communicating (ie., "mute") and look very ordinary (Le, "insignificant"). However, the tribal communities observing the masking tradition believe that the masks usually are found to preserve mysterious powers within them even when they are not in functional use. Through the 'masks' and their connected ritual processes, viz., the "masking traditions' the tribal people feel to be in touch with both 'Natural' and 'Supernatural forces and believe in befriending them for their continued, successful existence.
In Tribal India, it is believed that if the face is masked by a mask it becomes 'another face' and the body too becomes "another body' since it feels a 'new being' flows in from the mask. And the masking traditions which are often accompanied by powerful music and solemn signing lead them to a state of collective hysteria.
I wish to record my deep sense of gratitude to our Principal Secretary/Commissioner of Museums Dr.T.S.Sridhar, I.A.S., for having included this monograph as one of the new publications of the Department of Museums in the financial year of 2008-2009.
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