Mask Item Number: Eh117 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Mask depicting a light greyish pink humanoid face with a raised brow ridge that shows the remains of painted black eyebrows, eyes that slant inwards under thick lids, a curved nose with small notstrils, a small mouth, and a protruding chin. There are two crescent-shaped holes, one under each eye, and two holes at the edge of the mask on either side. Twine made of plant fibre runs between the holes, and another length of twine is nailed to the mask at the top centre on the reverse side.

History Of Use

Used in part of the Sokari, a folk drama performed in inland villages, usually serving no purpose but entertainment. In some areas there are religious connotations, where performers make a vow to the local goddess, Pattini, and alms are given in her honour at the end of the season. The plot concerns the travels of Guru Hami, his wife, Sokari, and servant, Paraya, who settle down in Sri Lanka. Vedarala is a comic character portrayed often as a lame old man, pot-bellied and hunch-backed, who nevertheless manages to seduce the beautiful Sokari while attempting to cure Guru of snake bite.

Iconographic Meaning

Simple human features suitable to the character of Vedarala, a village physician.

Cultural Context

folk comedy; drama

Item History

What

Name
Mask
Identification Number
Eh117
Type of Item
mask
Material
paint, wood and plant fibre
Manufacturing Technique
carved, painted, smoothed, varnished and smoked
Overall
height 20.5 cm, width 15.0 cm, depth 9.5 cm

Who

Culture
Sinhalese
Previous Owner
Sandigiri and Jason Schoonover
Received from
Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Jason Schoonover (Seller)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Sri Lanka

When

Creation Date
before 1984
Collection Date
during 1983
Ownership Date
before June 21, 1984
Acquisition Date
on June 21, 1984

Other

Condition
fair
Accession Number
0972/0007