Mask
Item number 3392/2 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
Public
RRN ID
Item Records
This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.
The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.
These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.
- 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
A mask depicting the anabera kolama (drum messenger), a figure in kolam popular drama. The mask is painted yellow, with red, black, and white details. Its hairline is outlined in red, and the wood above the hairline is unpainted. The mask's red-rimmed eyes protrude slightly from its face, and are shaped like half-moons. Underneath each eye is a crescent-shaped hole which allows the wearer to see. The mask's nose is prominent, with a downward curve and large, hollow nostrils. Its red mouth is open in a large, toothy smile. Forehead creases are carved into the mask, and outlined in red. Its eyebrows are painted in black. The mask has a full moustache and long beard, which are fashioned from strands of jute. The jute is knotted to a piece of string, from which it hangs. The string is tied through small holes in each of the mask's ears in order to affix the beard and moustache to the face. Some of the jute in the beard has been twisted together in order to create thicker strands. There are two small holes above the mask's ears, and one at the top of its head, but the material used to secure the mask to the wearer's face is missing.
History Of Use
Kolam mask. 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.
Iconographic Meaning
Mask depicting the Anabera kolama (drum messenger). Notable aspects of Anabera include the lengthy beard and largely toothless appearance.
Narrative
The collector, Dr. Egan, wrote his doctoral thesis on healing rituals in Sri Lanka. His fieldwork was carried out in the south of Sri Lanka, in the village of Kadurupokuna, near the town of Tangalla (Hambantota District), between Sept. 1965 and Nov. 1966. His thesis documents a Sinhalese healing ritual, the Maha Sohona (or Maha Sona) Sumayama (the time when the demon Maha Sohona appears), performed on August 18, 1966, in the Berava drummer hamlet, in the village of Kadurupokuna.
Item History
- Made in Sri Lanka between 1940 and 1966
- Collected between 1965 and 1966
- Owned by Michael John Egan before 1977
- Owned by Carol Egan before October 2, 2019
- Received from Carol Egan (Donor) on October 2, 2019
What
- Name
- Mask
- Identification Number
- 3392/2
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- wood, paint and jute fibre
- Overall
- height 36.0 cm, width 15.5 cm, depth 11.6 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Sri Lanka
Who
- Culture
- Sinhalese
- Previous Owner
- Michael John Egan and Carol Egan
- Received from
- Carol Egan (Donor)
When
- Creation Date
- between 1940 and 1966
- Collection Date
- between 1965 and 1966
- Ownership Date
- before 1977 and before October 2, 2019
- Acquisition Date
- on October 2, 2019
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 3392/0002
Ask a question
Let the RRN community answer your questions
Public
With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account
Shared Knowledge
Share your knowlege of this item with the RRN community
Public
With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account
