Mask Item Number: Eh116 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Mask depicting an astrologer with a yellow humanoid male face surmounted by a green turban that has a red and white floral pattern. The mask has bulging upward looking eyes with red rims and a crescent-shaped slit below each, thin black eyebrows, a black moustache with slightly upturned ends, a straight nose with a pointed tip and flared red nostrils, a short chin, and a slightly open mouth with thick red lips and two rows of white teeth. Incised lines on the forehead represent wrinkles. Two lengths of string are attached at holes either side of the mask. Inscription in blue ink on reverse near top reads, "astrologer."
History Of Use
One of the many characters who may appear in the Kolam, a folk drama with extensive variations and plots.
Iconographic Meaning
Turban is appropriate for the character of an astrologer. Yellow colour is usually associated with royalty or some demons
Cultural Context
folk drama
Item History
- Made in Kalutara, Sri Lanka before 1983
- Collected during 1983
- Owned by W. P. Ebert
- 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
- W. P. Ebert 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
- Kalutara, 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
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0972/0006