1916.9.48
Name and identification of character
A prince or a princess.
Context
The mask displays characteristics of both a male and a female (see iconography).
Material
Wood, Vel-kaduru (Sin.) (Nux vomica).
Iconography
A crown and face mask. The face, including the earring, the hair tresses, and the lips are indicative of a female character. The crown, in the shape of a relic dome, daagäba (Sin.), is in five parts. This type of crown is normally worn by a male. It is shaded by a piece of wood in the shape of a halo, painted with line- and square-patterns.
The face is painted in lemon yellow, and has been glossed over. The mouth is closed and the lips painted in pink. An earring, kadukkama (Sin.), is attached to the right ear (the left ear is missing).
2000 03 08
Prof. M. H. Goonatilleka