1916.9.235
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 has unusual combinations. For instance, the hair on the head is green. The normal attributes of a warrior mask are not visible. The cheeks are swollen, which is a characteristic of the masks of the Sanni variety. The mask is rectangular with a demonic looking mouth. The eyes are gloomy and lack the vigour normally noticed in warrior masks.
2000 06 03
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka