Mask Item Number: Eh114 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Mask depicting a European woman with painted black hair and eyebrows, a pink face and ears with a pointed nose that has large flaring nostrils, a small pointed chin, as well as red lips, cheeks and raised areas of the ears. The hair is raised in low relief and is centre parted as well as pulled back to the sides. The large eyes bulge outwards and there are crescent-shaped holes under each. There is a black beauty spot on the left side of the face.

History Of Use

Sri Lanka has two major masked ritual dances: the Sanni, a healing and exorcising ritual, and the Kolam. Legends say the Kolam began as an amusement for a pregnant queen. The Kolam has four parts. A satirical prelude prepares for arrival of royal party; the king and queen arrive. The main play, a well known folk-tale, is performed. A dance of purification concludes the Kolam. In the prelude, masked male dancers represent village characters. European female mask is reported as being used over a face, with a European man's mask worn at same dancer's waist. In torch light this looks as if the woman is riding the man. Woman's mask is attractive but ridiculous.

Cultural Context

Folk-drama; entertainment.

Iconographic Meaning

Light colour is used to indicate haughty European

Item History

What

Name
Mask
Identification Number
Eh114
Type of Item
mask
Material
nux vomica wood ?, fibre and oil paint
Manufacturing Technique
carved and painted
Overall
height 21.0 cm, width 21.0 cm, depth 17.0 cm

Who

Culture
Sinhalese
Previous Owner
Ebert's Gallery 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
Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka ?

When

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

Other

Condition
fair
Current Location
Case 106
Accession Number
0972/0004