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The contribution of Vietnamese folk masks to the exhibition portrayed a distinctive, meaningful, and integrated cultural identity.

The Intersection of Asian Cultures

The exhibition Pratirupa: Masks in the Intersection of Asian Cultures took place at the National Museum of Crafts in New Delhi (India), displaying nearly 100 ceremonial masks and performances from many regional countries (Photo: VNA).

The Pratirupa exhibition is a joint initiative of the National Museum of Crafts of India, the Purvasha Museum of Folk and Tribal Art, and the Odi Arts Centre (Odisha state, Eastern India).

Bringing together works from India, Vietnam, Thailand, China, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar, the event aims to recreate the spirituality, ritual, and traditional theater depth from each culture, while evoking a cross-border perspective on cultural similarities between Asian countries.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Head of the Cultural Department of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Junhi Han emphasized that this exhibition is a testament to our deep cultural cohesion in a divided world.

“The masks are not only cultural artifacts but also expressions of identity, rituals, and memories,” said Junhi Han.

According to Professor S.K.K. Basa, Chairman of the National Monuments Authority of India, this occasion is an important step in preserving folk and tribal art, contributing to the preservation of the region's intangible heritage.

Timeless Icons

The Pratirupa exhibition is a joint initiative of the National Museum of Crafts of India, the Purvasha Museum of Folk and Tribal Art, and the Odi Arts Centre (Odisha state, Eastern India) (Photo: VNA).

Masks are an ancient form of expression in many Asian cultures, associated with folk beliefs, ceremonial performances, and traditional theater. The Pratirupa exhibition presents a rich symbolic world – from human masks, spirits, demons, gods, to animals or anthropomorphic shapes.

The artifacts are divided into three main groups. The first group is sacred masks used in rituals to appease the gods.

Meanwhile, the second group - ancestral masks – carries the meaning of protecting and cohesiveness of the community, and the third is the performance mask group, which is associated with storytelling, theater, and folk festival activities.

Although they have different purposes, the masks share the ability to convey multi-dimensional meanings about the worldview, perspective, and aesthetics of each culture.

Pratirupa Asian art exhibition in India will be opened from July 12-23 (Photo: VNA).

Another highlight is the mask material and manufacturing technique. The artisans have used materials like wood, paper, bamboo, terracotta, and metal, clearly demonstrating the influence of the ecosystem on the mask tradition of each locality. Each mask is not only the result of exquisite craftsmanship, but also hides a timeless creative spirit.

Vietnamese imprint

In the exhibition, Vietnamese masks stand out with a subtle but expressive look. For example, the work "Harvest Festival Mask" represents Vietnamese folklore as a symbol closely associated with traditional agricultural life.

The mask is carved out of wood, simulating the face of an old man with deep wrinkles, often appearing in folk plays, festivals for a good harvest.

The hidden meanings behind the mask are ideas of wisdom, fulfillment, and joy, some of the fundamental values of the Vietnamese rice farming community.

The appearance of Vietnamese masks at Pratirupa not only helps to promote traditional culture but also opens opportunities for international exchange and dialogue between artisans and audiences. Within the broader landscape of Asian art, Vietnamese masks offer a distinct and profoundly authentic imprint, characterized by an idyllic yet fine quality."

Preserving and spreading heritage values

Another part of the Pratirupa exhibition is the strong message about preserving and restoring fading traditional values. In a hustle and bustle world, crafts that require time and patience are slowly being forgotten. The exhibition is an inspiring reminder of the importance of preserving cultural identity.

The exhibition aims to explore the national spirit and expand intercultural dialogue. The masks, whether they come from any country, contribute to telling a common story about art, humanity, and the aspiration to reach out to Asian cultures.

The small yet impressive imprint of Vietnam’s artifacts at the event will continue to affirm its position in the regional cultural map, where each traditional work can become a bridge between souls, stories, and timeless values.

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