1916.9.171
Name and identification of character
A forest dwelling hunter, vädda (Sin.).
Context
This is a member of the vädda group, which appear in the story Maname Kathava (Sin.) in a Kolam performance.
Material
Wood, vel-kaduru (Sin.) (Nux vomica).
Iconography
The head-dress is tall and consists of three spires painted in green. The vädda people live in forests and develop skill in the use of bow and arrow. The arrows have spike heads. As they inhabit the forests, the carvers normally paint the masks of the vädda in green.
The face and the mouth are broad. The lips are painted in red. The lower lip hangs down. These are normal characteristics of the masks of hideous creatures, such as the vädda.
2000 10 01
Dr. M. H. Goonatilleka