mask (ansiktsmask), vädi kumari, vädda princess

1916.9.17

Name and identification of character
The mask appears to depict a member of the vädda-group, possibly a vädda princess, vädi kumari (Sin.).

Context
This character appears in the story portion in Kolam performances.

Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Nux vomica).

Iconography
The diadem is a low headdress, baga otunna (Sin.).

Both feminine and masculine features are combined in the mask. The elongated earlobes and the earrings suggest a female character. But the piercing eyes are those of a male.

The dark-green colour of the face is the traditional colour of a mask depicting a vädda.

Comments on the Umlauff Catalogue
The identification of the mask as Waddi Devi is doubtful. Waddi is presumably a misspelling of Vädi. Accessible texts do not mention a vädda queen (devi), although, the carver might have wanted to add another character to the story. This is a normal feature in Sinhalese folk drama.

18 02 2000
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka