1916.9.101
Name and identification of character
A sergeant in the imperial police force, polis sajan (Sin.).
Context
The dance of the policemen, called Polis Kolam (Sin.).
Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Sin.) (Nux vomica).
Iconography
The head-dress is in the form of a low-cut cap depicting the rank and the outlandish nature of the constabulary. The face is painted in yellowish brown. The moustache is curved and painted in black indicating authority. The lower lip hangs down. Piercing eyes. The ears are crudely cut.
Comments on the Umlauff Catalogue
The identification of the mask as depicting ¿Roda Kolan¿ is incorrect. In the catalogue it is said ¿Roda wohl gleich Rodiya¿, meaning a caste in Sri Lanka. The interpretation has no connection with Kolam.
2000 07 06
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka