Craft Documentation · Raghurajpur, Odisha
Kagaja Mukha:
Paper Masks of Raghurajpur
This document explores the relationship of a family of craftsmen from Raghurajpur Village, Odisha, with the process of building and deriving meaning from their practicing craft ‘Kagaja Mukha’ — paper masks that hide something, to show more.
Core Philosophies
Gaining Empathy
Practicing craft at the age of mass production is deeply tied to the pride of a people in a skillful act. The social fulfilment that comes from making something with your hands — that is immense, and irreplaceable.
Embracing Change
From sourcing colours from rocks and flowers, using cow dung as a base, to buying commercial paints and crafting with clay — the craftsmen continuously adapt to their ecosystem, without losing the essence of what they make.
Culture & Business
Cultures create opportunities for people to sustain their living and derive meaning. Businesses that grow from within a culture benefit greatly from its propagation — and carry a responsibility to protect it.
I discovered a village where colours were as vibrant as expressions. I discovered masks which hide something — to show more. And I discovered myself in the people of Raghurajpur.
— Saswat Dash, Field NotesVisual Documentation
Village & Environment
of Raghurajpur
Capturing the atmospheric essence, daily lives, and vibrant cultural backdrop of this heritage craft village in Odisha — where tradition and everyday life are inseparable.
Visual Documentation
Materials &
Ecosystem Adaptation
Documentation of how the craft transitions over time — from traditional bases of cow dung and natural rock and flower pigments, to modern adaptations using commercial paints and clay crafting.
Visual Documentation
The Making of
Kagaja Mukha
Detailed breakdown of the physical creation process — from moulding the base forms to layered paper-pasting, drying, and structural mask building, step by step.
Visual Documentation
Expressions &
Intricate Painting
Highlighting the fine linework, symbolic character expressions, and deep cultural storytelling painted onto the finished paper masks — where the craft truly comes alive.
