1916.9.304
Name and identification of character
A cobra demon, naga raksa/rassaya (Sin).
Context
Stage two in a Kolam performance.
Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Sin.) (Nux vomica).
Iconography
The head-dress is tall and narrow, composed of seven cobra-hoods. It is referred to as a vattuva (Sin.) and nayi mini otunna (Sin.), a gem-set cobra crown.
Two small cobras issue from the drilled nostrils, forming a moustache. On the upper gum are two markings of warts. Black whiskers are drawn around the mouth. The two ears are ornamented with lotus design. These are framed by to two cobras.
Common decorative motifs and colour combinations are used on this mask. The nose is dented.
2000 12 15
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka