1916.9.276
Name and identification of character
A demon mask of the gara group, molan gara (Sin.).
Context
A demon character in the demon dance in Kolam, Gara Nätuma (Sin.), in the demon ceremony Gara Yakuma or Gara Tovile (vide Preface), and in the finale of the god-rituals called Devolmaduva and Gammaduva.
Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Sin.) (Nux vomica).
Iconography
The headdress is broad and composed of three cobra-hoods fixed to a plank. The centre hood is spread out and flanked by two smaller hoods. The hoods are ornamented with the usual geometric designs. The eyebrows are ornamented with petal motifs. The face is black. The mouth is wide. Thick gums are painted in red. Whiskers are drawn around the mouth. Except for this particular mask, the masks belonging to this group have movable lower jaws. Gara masks are sometimes produced en gross, to be hung at the entrances of new houses and are not necessarily meant for dancing.
2000 07 26
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka