1916.9.319
Name and identification of character
A demon, either purnaka raksa (Sin.) or maru rassaya (Sin.). Exact identification is not possible because of the missing ears.
Context
Stage two in a Kolam performance.
Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Sin.) (Nux vomica).
Iconography
The upper structure is composed of three tiers ornamented with petal designs in red, blue and yellow. These are decorative motifs symbolising fire flames. The face is painted in red. The mouth is shaped like an animal snout. Black lines around the mouth suggest animal hair. There are carnivorous teeth in two rows and two eye-teeth in the half-open mouth. A lapping tongue is glued to the lower jaw. There is a space between the two rows of teeth facilitating the vision of the dancer.
2000 07 24
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka