Mukha Shilpa, also known as mask making, has been a cherished art form on Majuli Island since the 16th century, firmly embedded in the upper Assam region along the Brahmaputra River. This age-old craft, integral to the rich tapestry of Assam’s Sattriya culture, thrives within the confines of Satras and among skilled craftsmen residing in Majuli’s surrounding villages. These Satras, established by Srimanta Sankardev and his disciples, serve as bastions of religious, social, and cultural rejuvenation, nurturing not only traditional crafts like mask making but also preserving revered performing arts such as borgeet, xattriya, and bhaona.

Today, Majuli boasts 22 such Satras, with mask-making traditions predominantly thriving in four of them — Samaguri Sattra, Natun Samaguri Sattra, Bihimpur Sattra, and Alengi Narasimha Sattra.

The intricate process of mask making intertwines cow dung, clay, and bamboo, honed through generations of skilled artisans on this island sanctuary in the Brahmaputra. Anupam Goswami, a dedicated craftsperson, attests to the significance of masks in their culture, emphasizing their enduring legacy as one of the few families preserving this tradition. Whether adorning performers during the annual theatrical extravaganzas on Majuli or gracing festivals nationwide, these masks serve as enduring symbols of cultural heritage and artistic prowess.