Mask

Item number Eh118 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Data
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Description

Mask depicting a fisherman (?) with an ovoid-shaped dark red face, black hair and arched brows, a small nose, large eyes each with a crescent-shaped hole beneath, flat-surfaced ears that angle outwards, and a red mouth with downturned corners. Yellow and black alternating curved lines on cheeks and nose. Small hole drilled through inner edge of ear on both sides.

History Of Use

There are two major types of dance drama in Sri Lanka; the Sanni and Kolam. This mask from Kolam group, which originated to appease a pregnant queen's craving to see masked dancers. This drama is a mythological rural opera with three sets of characters enacting a repertoire of skits from Buddhist and other lore. The characters are humans, as royalty and villagers, animals and demons; they enter the stage at night, singing, dancing and reciting verse till dawn

Cultural Context

folk drama; entertainment

Iconographic Meaning

Identified as Kolam mask of villager by realistic appearance

Item History

Made in Sri Lanka before 1983
Collected during 1983
Owned by Jason Schoonover before June 21, 1984
Received from Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Jason Schoonover (Seller) on June 21, 1984