Masks

Thimi is also well known for paper masks and clay masks. From tiny to gigantic masks, which are embodiment of the gods, demons and animals, are made in Thimi. In masked dance, when the dancer wears mask, he falls into a trance. Mask is a source of charm and strength in masked dance. Beside in dances, masks are also decorated in house and temple. These days, a mask serves as a excellent piece of souvenir.

Black clay, cotton, nepali paper, white cloth and water color are needed to make tradtitional mask. Clay and cotton are mixed by beating with wooden hammer. It is then casted in mould made of plaster of paris. Same process is done to make papier mache mask, but papier mache is used instead of cotton clay mixture. It is then dried. Nepali paper is glued in both faces. Then only it is colored. The details are complex, they must be correct in be in accurate position.

Mask are made by puns (Chitrakars). They are tradtitional artists. They also make puppets and too paint various pictures on clay pots and paper, which are used in various ceremonies. The Chitrakar family of Thimi is renowned as the Principal mask makers in Nepal but nowadays people from other casts have also started to make the traditional masks.