mask (ansiktsmask)

1916.9.311

Name and identification of character
The mask has not been fully identified. It represents a manifestation of Siva called Bhairavaya.

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

Iconography
The mask is composed of three parts: a central face with a figural head-dress and a dragon's porch called makara torana (Sin) (makara is a mythic monster of aquatic nature), and two wings, separately attached to the mask, picturing two aquatic figures with the body and tail of a fish and the face of an antelope.

The porch is modelled on the makara portico, either painted or carved at the entrances of Buddhist temples, or on interior walls. The entrance is symbolical of the entrance to hell, makara kata (Sin.).

The main face has demonic features, such as the half-open broad mouth and the goggle eyes. Two animal figures are carved on each side of the seated figure, which resembles a goddess. The identity of these two animals is not clear. Although, they appear to be elephants or bears.

Comments on the Umlauff Catalogue
The mask is identified as that of the demon of death, maru rasse (Sin), in the Umlauff Catalogue. But the sculptural details do not reveal the traits of this demon. For instance, the central, seated figure with a forehead band, a pendant around the neck, and an embroidered skirt has no connection with maru. Moreover, there are no cobras. Cobras are common on masks of the demon of death.

21 12 2000
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka