1916.9.292
Name and identification of character
A demon character referred to as the ratna-kuta raksa (Sin.).
Context
A demon character in stage two in a Kolam performance.
Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Sin.) (Nux vomica).
Iconography
The face is broad and painted in red. The head-dress consists of four cobra-hoods painted in red and blue. It is an ornamented piece in which the cobra coils form a turban, or jatava (Sin.). The wide mouth takes the form of an animal's snout. The mouth is half-open. The two rows of teeth are painted in white. There is a space between the two rows through which the dancer can see. The normal iconographical features, such as goggle eyes and ornamented eyebrows, displaying conventionalised artistry, are noticed in the mask.
2000 07 13
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka