mask, Vädda king, vädi raja

1916.9.166

Name and identification of character
A Vädda king, Vädi raja (Sin.).

Context
One of the main characters in the story of Maname, Maname Kathava (Sin.), in Kolam.

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

Iconography
There are variations between different examples of the masks representing the Vädda chieftain (cf. 1916.9.165-166). These are regional variations of carving traditions. Especially stylistic differences play a big part in the diverse appearances. But there is a great deal of consistency in the use of facial pigmentation. In this mask, the face is painted in greenish-blue, while the head-dress is painted predominantly in brighter colours. The head-dress is in the shape of a pinnacle, dagäba (Sin.), in four tiers surrounded by a dome. The four tiers are diamond-shaped. The dome-like plank, painted in yellow and decorated with red lines, normally represent the rays of the Buddha, ketu-malava (Sin.). This is, however, incongruous with the total disposition of the hunter king. It is a sculptural concept of the carver. The tiers are supported by three conical spires painted in black with a red border. The forehead band extends downwards, flanking the face. The ears are delicately drawn and not sculpted. The face is small. The eyes are carved in low relief. The nose is straight, the mouth closed and the lips painted red.

The left portion of the forehead band is damaged.

2000 05 08
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka