ArtFire

This one-of-a-kind mask is a representation of a huge bird or bird-like creature that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology. Made entirely from hand blended polymer clays with hand tooled feathers in various shades of faux jade green, gold, and bronze, it is strengthened by a papier mache base.

You decide how you want him to be displayed. Because he is suitable for hanging on your wall or placement on a stand, we have not attached any display hardware. That will be added once you tell us your preference. Hanging hardware will be added without additional charge to you. If you desire a stand, we can make one for you for an additional $25; it will allow you to display him on a 45% angle, and come complete with "eyes" as part of the stand.

The mask measures 13-inches from his top knot to the tip of his beak and 8.5-inches across. The mask weighs almost 2 pounds. Due to this fact, it is not designed to be worn.

Due to the metallic nature of the clays used, we have not glazed the mask. If, however, you want a higher shine on him, let us know and we will glaze him before we ship him.

Cruising the internet for inspiration, I came across his story and decided I wanted to make a mask of him. In Hindu mythology, Garuda is the king of the birds, the speed of his flight mocking the wind. As the appointed charger of Vishnu he is venerated by all. Garuda is the son of Kashyap, a great sage, and Vinata, the daughter of Daksha, a famous king. He was hatched from an egg Vinata laid. Garuda was born with a great hatred for the evil and he is supposed to roam about the universe devouring the bad.

I had a great deal of fun coming up with a countenance for him that was elegant enough to reflect his standing in mythology. I entered him in the mask division of the Central Florida Fair 2010 Polymer Clay competition and he won 1st Place!!

polymer clay, papier mache mask base