Mask Item Number: Eh5 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Mask with dark red face, black painted hair, bulging eyes with semicircular holes beneath them, a wrinkled forehead, large ears and nose, a bushy black moustache with curled ends, white buck teeth, and a large red lower lip. On the reverse, there are two small nails with thin wire attached indicating possible hanging support. There are two small nails on each side securing the ears.

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. The Mudali or village official mask is worn by the leader of the dance procession. The Mudali is considered the chief citizen of a village, commanding great respect and his legal decisions are final.

Cultural Context

exorcism

Item History

What

Name
Mask
Identification Number
Eh5
Type of Item
mask
Material
nux vomica wood ?, paint and lacquer ?
Manufacturing Technique
carved
Overall
height 23.8 cm, width 23.5 cm, depth 14.0 cm

Who

Culture
Sinhalese
Previous Owner
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 1978
Collection Date
during 1978
Ownership Date
before February 10, 1981
Acquisition Date
on February 10, 1981

Other

Condition
fair
Accession Number
0704/0004