Mask

Item number Eh119 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Data
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Description

Mask representing a tamil man ? with the face painted black, slightly bulging eyes with red rims and a crescent-shaped hole under each, a mouth with upturned corners, four teeth, and a large bottom lip that protrudes over a very small chin. Very small ears at either side of the mask each have a red centre and a hole through which is threaded a multicoloured fabric strap. The words "tamil man" are inscribed on the back near the top in black ink.

History Of Use

Used in a dance-drama or rural opera which is still being performed in the coast provinces of Sri Lanka. Drama is called Kolam and is essentially a masked dance which includes both human and superhuman characters. This mask would have been worn by a minor character, a foreigner.