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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 a dark red-brown humanoid face with bulbous red-rimmed eyes, a large nose with flaring nostrils, a small red mouth, a thick black beard, and a thin black moustache. There are yellow markings on the chin, over the bridge of the nose, on the nostrils, on the eyebrows and on the forehead. Slots are cut into either side of head, possibly for detachable ears. The figure is wearing a brown-yellow turban with a border of black triangles and incised red lines.

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. Vindane Aracci, the character portrayed by this mask, is the village headman, a member of the ruling class of the village. There are subtle differences in appearance to make him seem more approachable than the Mudali, a higher official, although both serve in the place of the king in his absence.

Iconographic Meaning

Beard and headgear suggest high social status of the village headman, Vindane Aracci.

Cultural Context

folk drama

Item History

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