Visitors take a look at the masks on display at Ekamra Haat in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, March 16: Masked mystery has grabbed the imagination of people here. Residents of the capital seem to have taken to heart an old saying by Oscar Wilde, “Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.”

Masks made by a team of young artisans here have shot up on the popularity index. The youngsters have created a wide range of masks that include traditional Orissan masks as well as Venetian masquerade masks. Many are making a beeline for the colourful masks to use them as decor items.

The mask makers, who run a stall at Ekamra Haat, have a huge collection of masks. “In Orissa, hanging masks with monstrous faces at the entrance of the house is considered good for health and prosperity,” says Deepak Parmar, the lead artisan of the group. “I hail from Ganjam district and making wooden masks is a traditional art there,” he says.

When it comes to wooden masks, you will find a range of shapes and sizes. While the collection the artisans here have are mostly of those of calm-faced male deities, there are a few with the Kathakali face or monster faces.

Almost all the masks are colourful, coming in bright shades of red, yellow, blue and green.

“Our customers usually look for masks that can be hung on the walls of the portico or the drawing room. We make the masks in different sizes to suit the customer’s choice,” says another artisan of the group. “Bright colours and big features of the face are important as, traditionally, the purpose of hanging these masks is to grab the attention of visitors,” said Parmar.

Apart from a wide range of wooden masks, fibre masks that are famous worldwide for the Venetian masquerades, are also available at the stall. “We bring these from other states like Maharashtra based on customer demand. These are very popular for their glazing looks and we find many youngsters who take them to wear during parties or celebrations with themes,” said Parmar.

These masks have floral motifs that are decorated with zinc. Most of them express different moods. One can masquerade holding them close to the face with the thin stands attached. These fibre masks can also be hung on walls to lend a mystical touch to decor.

“These masks are so attractive and come at affordable prices. We keeping making rounds to collect masks with different expressions so we that can use them on occasions like performances at college functions or at parties,” said Sanghamitra Mohanty, an engineering student.

While the wooden masks are priced upwards of Rs 200, the fibre masks can be bought for Rs 80 or more.