1916.9.287
Name and identification of character
A cobra demon called kala-kuta raksaya (Sin.), or kala-kuta rassaya (Sin.).
Context
A cobra demon character in a solo dance in stage two in a Kolam performance.
Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Sin.) (Nux vomica).
Iconography
A broad demon face and an upper structure comprising cobra-hoods in two tiers. The cobras on the head-dress have been reduced to systematic designs with geometric compositions of triangles, lines, and spots covering the inside of the expanded cobra-hoods. Two cobras frame the ear-discs and rise upwards in a spiral form. The ear-discs are painted with lotus and petal designs. The cobras are used for decorative purposes, mainly as impressive ear-ornaments. The mouth covers most of the face of the demon. It is half-open, leaving a space between the two rows of teeth for the dancer to see through. The face is painted in dark red, referred to as lohita pata (Sin.). The goggle eyes are carved in the shape of a ferrule of an ox.
2000 09 28
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka