1916.9.253
Name and identification of character
The cobra demon Ratna Kutaya.
Context
A demon character performing a solo-dance in Kolam.
Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Sin.) (Nux vomica).
Iconography
The head-dress is composed of three cobra-hoods. The face is that of a male, painted in dark yellow. The broad and padded gums are painted in red. The open mouth displays a grimace.
Comments on the Umlauff Catalogue
The identification of the mask as depicting a cobra maiden or a naga queen is incorrect. In the Umlauff Catalogue, the centre cobra kapelle is indicated, which is now damaged.
2000 03 23
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka