Mask
Item number Eh11 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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- Data
- Data Source
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Description
Mask representing a village husband character (kolam mask) with a pink face, a low forehead with a flat top, painted black hair and eyebrows. The large eyes each have a crescent-shaped slit under them, and the nose is long, straight and narrow with small, indented nostrils. The mouth is closed with thin red lips. The ears are each made of a piece of cut rubber (?) that has been cut at the centre and the resulting corners bent inwards slightly to make each concave. There is a small hole on each side, behind the ears. A label on the reverse reads, "KOLAM MASK village husband," in typewritten characters, and "41" in pencil.
History Of Use
The Kolam is a secular entertainment with considerable elements of social satire. It incorporates narrative, mime, dance, and music. A Kolam performance usually has four episodes the precise content of which may vary. These consist of a prelude, detailing the origin of the drama; the arrival of a royal party and dances by characters mythical, human and animal; enactment of a popular story or stories; and a purifying demon dance. This mask represents Gamaya, the village husband. He is a minor character in the Kolam dance.
Cultural Context
exorcism
Iconographic Meaning
The naturalistic design of the mask with its smooth skin and pink colour are characteristics associated with a village husband.
Item History
- Made in Sri Lanka before 1978
- Collected during 1978
- Owned by Jason Schoonover before February 10, 1981
- Received from Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Jason Schoonover (Seller) on February 10, 1981
What
- Name
- Mask
- Identification Number
- Eh11
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- paint, wood and rubber ?
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved, painted and glued
- Overall
- height 18.0 cm, width 19.0 cm, depth 9.5 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Sri Lanka
Who
- Culture
- Sinhalese
- Previous Owner
- Jason Schoonover
- Received from
- Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Jason Schoonover (Seller)
When
- Creation Date
- before 1978
- Collection Date
- during 1978
- Ownership Date
- before February 10, 1981
- Acquisition Date
- on February 10, 1981
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0704/0010
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