mask (ansiktsmask), Maha Sammata Bisava/Devi

1916.9.8 A-B

Name and identification of character
Kolam mask depicting the Queen of King Maha Sammata, Maha Sammata Bisava /Devi (Sin.) (bisava and devi are generic names for queen).

Context
The Kolam mask-performance was enacted to appease the pregnancy desire, dola duka (Sin.), of this queen. The same mask is identified by different Kolam groups by other names, such as Queen of King Kalinga (Kalinga/Kalingu) or King Nalukerthi (vide object 1916.9.7).

Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Nux vomica). Painted with traditional pigments.

Iconography
The crown is in two detachable parts, carved out of two separately hollowed pieces of wood. Although, the shape of the crown comes close to that of an English queen or princess, the shape of the face, iconographic details and exquisite designs sculpted and painted on it are suggestive of Kandyan art. The upper part of the crown, which is termed makuta (Sin.), is in the shape of a dome.

Two peacocks facing each other are carved and painted on the front side of the crown. Normally in Asian art, the peacock is painted in blue; on this mask, however, dull lemon-yellow has been applied.

2000 05 02
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka