1916.9.105
Name and identification of character
A Kaffir policeman, kapiri poli (Sin.).
Context
An outlandish character appearing in the dance of the policemen, called Polis Kolama (Sin.).
Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Sin.) (Nux vomica).
Iconography
The head-dress and the face are carved out of one piece. The cap is painted in red with the number A 45 registered in yellow. The number denotes the rank of the policeman. The normal characteristics presented in the masks of the Kaffir are the black face, flat, thick lips, piercing, black eyes, and a jeering mouth. There are no ears, although sockets are made for inserting ears.
2000 07 10
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka