1916.9.286
Name and identification of character
A demon called nila kuta (Sin.) (nila means blue and kuta means summit), associated with an apparition of Shiva.
Context
A demon character in a solo dance in stage two in a Kolam performance.
Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Sin.) (Nux vomica).
Iconography
A colossal mask with a huge head-dress composed of five cobra-hoods. The cobra figures are reduced to a distinct pattern. The forehead band, sometimes referred to as mini makuta (Sin.), is ornamented with three coiled cobras. The two ear-discs are composed of two cobras with their hoods rising upwards in the shape of impressive ear-ornaments called todu (Sin.). The ears are fitted separately to the mask. The cobras in the upper structure are painted predominantly in blue, while the face of the mask is reddish. The mouth is broad, the eyes large and protruding. The mouth is half-open with two eye-teeth. The tongue hangs out. Cobras issue from the corners of the mouth and from the nostrils.
2000 09 27
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka