1916.9.167
Name and identification of character
The Vädda overseer, Vädi kankanama (Sin.).
Context
The story portion in Kolam.
Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Sin.) (Nux vomica).
Iconography
A mask with a low-cut head-piece in the form of three spires painted in black. It gives some respectability to the character, which holds the high position as deputy chief in the Vädda retinue. Delicately painted red lines delineate the three spires.
The face is black. The eyes are sulky and the mouth small and closed. Earrings are painted on the narrow, elongated ears. The nose is flat. The texture of the face is rough.
All these iconographic features, especially the pigmentation, are symbolical of the rustic nature of the character. The mask reveals a different variation of the portrayal of the character compared to specimen 1916.9.168.
2000 05 08
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka