This rare and ancient mask is a Bhuta mask, possibly a Jumadi. Jumadi is a divine spirit worshipped in Bhuta kola. Jumadi is usually represented in an androgynous form with a face of man and a body of a woman. As per Paddanas – the ancient Tulu oral literature, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were on their way to kill a demon called Dhumasura who could only be killed by someone who is both a man and woman at the same time. On their way Parvati feels very hungry and Shiva offers her everything possible but in vain. In the end, he offers himself. Parvati absorbs the body of her husband till his head which gets stuck in her throat and remains out of her mouth, merging the two gods to become Jumadi.

Bhuta Worship in the form of Bhuta Kola is celebrated in the Tululand (states of Southern coastal Karnataka like Mangalore, Udupi, Kundapura) and North Malabar region of Kerala and is very much a core part of the socio-cultural life in the village. Some believe the origin of Bhuta worship to be older than Hinduism itself.  A Bhuta is a divine ethereal spirit that is believed to protect and promote the welfare of its worshippers. The Bhuta kola attempts to bring together the tangible and the intangible worlds. There are at least 350 kinds of Bhutas which are classified either as those of totemic origin or derived from Hindu gods or human heroes who became saints after their death. Some believe these Bhutas to be from the sect of Ganas, followers and devotees of Lord Shiva.

There are priests who act as oracles or impersonators for the conveyance of the commands of these Bhutas.  Bhuta Kolas from feudal times have served as a platform for delivering justice where family disputes and political disputes are referred to the spirits for mediation and deliverance of justice. Possession, Trance and Dialogue by the impersonator with the villagers/ devotees are the three main parts of such ceremonies.

The priests or impersonators wore very elaborate costumes and paraphernalia during these cult  rituals. Bhuta masks are the most revered and popular of these which were worshipped in the shrines (Sthaana) as representations of these spirits.