Mask Item Number: Eh121 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Mask depicting a male humanoid face with a multicoloured crown that has a line and dot design, back hair around small projecting ears, black eyebrows, red-rimmed eyes that each have a crescent-shaped hole beneath, a pointed nose, a black moustache with upturned ends, and a smiling mouth with red lips. Twine is knotted through holes beneath the ears on either side.
History Of Use
Courtier ? mask used in rural Kolam folk drama; traditionally performed in the open without a stage, during the night hours. Royal and court figures and other characters of drama introduced in prelude. Characters were both human and superhuman; human characters of low status caricatured. Origins of Kolam not definitely known but generally believed to have originated several hundred years ago.
Iconographic Meaning
Sideburns and moustache are associated with pride, and identify character as person of high rank. Headdress suggests royalty. Pink skin and use of yellow on face also indicate high standing, but parted lips usually reserved for lesser characters. Red rimmed eyes can indicate sore eyes
Cultural Context
propitiation; exorcism; entertainment
Item History
- Made in Sri Lanka before 1983
- Collected during 1983
- Owned by Sujeemin Antiques
- 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
What
Who
- Culture
- Sinhalese
- Previous Owner
- Sujeemin Antiques 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 1983
- Collection Date
- during 1983
- Ownership Date
- before June 21, 1984
- Acquisition Date
- on June 21, 1984
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0972/0011