1916.9.155
Name and identification of character
A soldier, hevaya (Sin.), or a Vädda (a forest-dwelling hunter).
Context
The mask is used to represent two characters with identical features. The soldier (there are four of them) appears in an episodic interplay called ¿the dance of the soldiers¿, Heva Kolama (Sin.). The hunter appears in the story portion in Kolam.
Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Sin.) (Nux vomica).
Iconography
A broad face painted in dark blue. The paint has seeped into the interior of the mask, disclosing clearly the colour that has been applied. The facial texture is rough. The right-hand cheek is swollen and there is a tiny wart on the left cheek. Small ears. An open, grimacing mouth showing two rows of teeth. The right ear is damaged.
A tool dent is visible on the left part of the forehead.
2000 03 23
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka