mask (ansiktsmask)

1916.9.271

Name and identification of character
A gara mask of the smaller type, kila gara (Sin.).

Context
A demon character in the demon dance in Kolam, Gara Nätuma (Sin.), in the demon ceremony Gara Yakuma (vide Preface), and in the finale of the god-rituals called Devolmaduva and Gammaduva.

Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Sin.) (Nux vomica).

Iconography
As it is a mask belonging to the gara nätuma (Sin.) its features are similar to no. 1916.9.269, but it is of smaller size. Three cobra-hoods form the small crown-like headdress. The centre hood rises from the bridge of the nose and forms a continuous artistic composition with nose. It has a tilaka (sacred spot) mark. The two side hoods are separated from the centre hood and rise up from above the ears. All three hoods are decorated in geometric patterns. The protruding eyes are painted in white and black and have a red borderline. The eyebrows are ornamented in decorative patterns, including petal designs. The nose is straight and broad and is painted in black with three red vertical lines drawn over its bridge. The broad mouth covers almost the entire face. The eye-teeth extend on both sides in the shape of fangs. The usual ear-discs (see no. 1916.9.269) are missing.

Comments on the Umlauff Catalogue
Gara nätuma is incorrectly transliterated as ¿Garu¿ in the catalogue.

2000 07 21
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka