Mask
Item number Eh27 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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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 depicting Moorman (a kolam dance mask). The mask is of a humanoid face with deep-set eyes, each with a crescent-shaped hole beneath, and an oval, pink face. The nose has slightly flared nostrils, and the mouth is open in a grin that shows a set of uniform white teeth. The mask also has arched eyebrows, long ears and there is a dark red-brown fez above the forehead. On the reverse, at the top of each ear is a nail with wire wrapped around it. There is also a nail with wire at the top centre. Label on reverse reads, "MOORMAN - KOLAM" in typewritten letters, and has an encircled "47" written 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 Kolam mask is of a ômoorman'
Cultural Context
exorcism
Iconographic Meaning
Moorman is characterized by the fez on the head. The fez denotes authority. It may also be used to denote a policeman.
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
- Eh27
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- nux vomica wood ?, paint and metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved
- Overall
- height 24.0 cm, width 17.5 cm, depth 11.0 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
- 0704/0026
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