mask (ansiktsmask)

1916.9.223

Name and identification of character
A soldier/warrior, hevaya (or hevarala or heva kolam) (Sin.).

Context
This character appears with a group of soldiers in the first stage of the Kolam performance, in the dance of the warriors, heva kolam (Sin.). The soldiers enter the place of performance in order to uphold law and order. Their duty is to maintain discipline prior to the arrival of the royal party (vide Preface).

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

Iconography
Same facial features as in specimen no. 1916.9.217. The face is painted in yellow. The carver has utilised the figures of the leeches as decorative pieces. The two leeches stuck on the head are carved in the form of combed hair. Gashes, resulting from sword attacks, are carved on the forehead. The sword cut shown on the forehead is in the style of a spot called tilaka (Sin.). The leeches over the upper lip are shaped like a moustache. There are two other leeches issuing from swellings on the cheeks. There is a bump on the chin.

2000 06 03
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka