mask (ansiktsmask)

1916.9.230

Name and identification of character
A soldier/warrior, hevaya (or hevarala or heva kolam) (Sin.).

Context
This character appears with a group of soldiers in the first stage of the Kolam performance, in the dance of the warriors, heva kolam (Sin.). The soldiers enter the place of performance in order to uphold law and order. Their duty is to maintain discipline prior to the arrival of the royal party (vide Preface).

Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Sin.) (Nux vomica).

Iconography
The cap is like that of a British soldier, especially that of a captain controlling the local army. The sideburns reveal authority. The face is painted in yellow. The usual facial characteristics of a soldier mask are abundant. A deep slash on the flat nose and the upper lip. Leeches are carved on the forehead and painted in black. Leeches are also stuck on the cheeks. There are strangely no sword wounds on the cap.

2000 06 03
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka