1916.9.219
Name and identification of character
A soldier/warrior, hevaya (or hevarala or heva kolam) (Sin.).
Context
This character appears with a group of soldiers in the first stage of the Kolam performance, in the dance of the warriors, heva kolam (Sin.). The soldiers enter the place of performance in order to uphold law and order. Their duty is to maintain discipline prior to the arrival of the royal party (vide Preface).
Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Sin.) (Nux vomica).
Iconography
The mask is similar to the specimen no. 1916.9.214. The facial traits normally presented in the masks of warriors have been shaped into decorative patterns. The leeches issuing from the swellings over the cheeks are shaped into a cork-screw moustache. The upper lip is combined with the carved swellings. The wide-open mouth extends from one cheek to the other. The eyes and the protruding teeth resemble those of a demon character.
2000 06 03
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka