mask (ansiktsmask), Vädda king, vädi raju

1916.9.16

Name and identification of character
This Kolam mask depicts the King of the Väddas, Vädi Raju (Sin.).

Context
Vädi Raju is one of the three main characters in the Maname Kathava (vide. preface and note on object 1916.9.11) in Kolam. According to the scripts describing Maname Kathava, the Vädda king, his chief assistant and four members of lesser rank constitute the Vädda-group. No mention is made of a Vädda queen.

Material
Wood, Vel-kaduru (Nux vomica).

Iconography
Distinguishing features are the dark-green face, and the shape and colour of the mouth. The lips are flat, protruding and painted in red. The upper row of teeth is prominently cut and painted in white. The gums are painted in black, which highlights the grotesque features. Side-whiskers are prominently displayed in black.

The crown is in the shape of a relic dome, dagoba (Sin.), including an inner and an outer dome, flanking each other, gaily decorated with the usual foliage and creeper designs. A lotus is carved at the extreme top of the inner dome. The colour scheme throughout contrasts with that of Prince Maname's mask.

2000 02 18
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka