ETHNOGRAPHY : ASIA

Object Name

Mask

Description

Mask used by Buddhist priests in Devils dance. 'Painted wooden mask worn in Kolam which is a musical dance drama of rural Sri Lanka. The performers wear masks and dance, mime and declaim stories ranging from village scenes to Hindu myths. Naga Rasa is the snake demon representing the power of snake poison. This mask was donated in 1856 by Sir James Emerson Tennent who was Civil Secretary to the government of Sri Lanka from 1845-1850.' from the 'Masks' Highlights tour on NMNI website, written by Winifred Glover.

Materials

wood

Place Collected

Ceylon
Ceylon

Catalogue Number

BELUM.C57.1910

Copyright

National Museums NI