1916.9.298
Name and identification of character
A cobra demon called naga raksa (Sin.) or naga rassaya (Sin.).
Context
Although cobra demon masks are worn in stage two in Kolam dance performances, this mask is only an exhibition piece, perhaps to enhance the value of the naga rassa (Sin.) dances. The mask is kept on the side of the Kolam arena, while the dancers execute the dance wearing cobra masks of a smaller variety.
Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Sin.) (Nux vomica).
Iconography
The mask is of enormous proportions and of very heavy weight. It has an abundance of cobras set in decorative patterns. The head-dress displays an array of intertwined cobras forming a tall and broad crown. The two ear-discs display cobras in spiral shape rising upwards from each ear. The coils of the cobras form a lotus flower replete with petal designs. Even he pollen is beautifully carved in low relief. There are five cobra-hoods at the crest of the mask. When the mask is worn, the two cobras rising up from each ear are in level with the other cobras, forming an imposing crown of nine cobra-hoods. The prescriptive verses refer to this cobra formation as jata urangu (Sin.).
Two cobras issue from the nostrils and form the demon's moustache.
The mouth is broad and half-open. The face is painted in red. Protruding eyes.
This mask is not meant for dancing. In this respect it has a resemblance with specimen no. 1916.9.302. Both these masks lack the cross-bar inside the mask, which enables the dancer to balance the mask on his head.
2000 07 13
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka