1916.9.197
Name and identification of character
A tiger, kotiya (Sin.), or a panther, andun diviya (Sin.).
Context
An animal character in Kolam, either in a solo-dance or as a character in the story portion.
Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Sin.) Nux vomica).
Iconography
A snarling tiger/panther. The snout is completely covered with yellow spots, with black and pink borders. The flat bridge of the noose is equally decorated with smaller spots. The eyebrows are painted in a semi-circle. The eyelids are yellow; there is no ornamentation as in other masks of this genre. The gums are broad and painted thickly in red. The mouth is open, showing the canine teeth. Two eye-teeth are joined to each other. The tongue, painted in red, is curled up in a lapping position. The ears are spoon-shaped. There is a crack on the chin.
2000 03 23
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka