Vintage Bhuta Mask of Jumadi

This is a fine mask of Jumadi, an androgynous deity revered in the Bhuta cult. This cult is practiced by the Tuluva community in South coastal Karnataka and also in parts of North Kerala. The mask has well defined features including oval eyes, a large protruding tongue, a large moustache, and upturned curved 'fangs' at each end. The forehead bears a teardrop shaped mark, representing the third eye. The mask is surrounded by nine serpent heads forming a prabhavali type halo around the Daiva.