mask (ansiktsmask), naga raksa, naga rassaya

1916.9.302

Name and identification of character
A cobra demon called naga raksa (Sin.) or naga rassaya (Sin.).

Context
Cobra demon masks are normally Kolam dance masks. This mask, however, is not worn in the dance because of its massive proportion and heavy weight. It is kept on the side of the arena as an exhibition piece. The dancers execute the dance wearing smaller masks.

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

Iconography
There is a striking resemblance between this mask and specimen no. 1916.9.298. The height and the width are similar; both are huge masks with headdresses formed by cobras. The ear-discs are ornamented with cobra coils. Two cobras rise up from each ear-disc in a spiral shape, forming an ornamented circle with the five cobra-hoods on the crest. The formation is referred to as vattuva (Sin.), meaning circle. The ear-discs are in the shape of a flower, consisting of petals and pollen in low-relief painted in yellowish white. The goggle eyes are inlaid. Two cobras issue from the nostrils. Two eye-teeth have been sculpted in the half-open mouth. The two rows of teeth are painted in white. As in specimen 1916.9.298, the mask displays an abundance of cobras forming intricate designs.

2000 07 13
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka