Clay Images of West BengalStyles of chali-the backdrop Ekchala The standard shape of a chali is a semi-circular frame known as ekchala (one roof). In traditional images the chali is architectural so that the figures are enclosed within an arch supported by pillars on either side. Mathchauni The architectural setting is designed on the European collonaded arch, but may also be based on the design of a Bengali temple (math). In this case the chali has three pyramidical or semi-circular panels on top of the chali which resemble towers on a Bengali temple. Chalis made in this design are called mathchauni (the temple look). Traditional Durga images are about six feet tall. Today, artists may rely on previous photographs of old images as well as salvaged kathamos (base with chali) to ensure that the dimensions on the image remain the same.  |