Museums Home BMAGiC Home Search Browse BMAGiC Help About BMAGiC Contact Us
           

Kolam Mask of Ratna-Kuta Raksa

View main imageView larger image
© Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery

Additional Images

Click on each image below to view at full size:
View image 2 View image 3 View image 4 View image 5 

Basic Information

Accession Number:1983A80
Collection:Ethnography - Asia

Notes

This demon mask would have been worn during performances involving mythical characters and moral tales. These performances, known as Kolam, were developed in Sri Lanka based on an ancient tradition from India. The cobras represent the dangerous nature of snakes and are intended to inspire fear in the audience.

Purchased from Sotheby's.

Further Information

Production Period:19th century
Material(s):Paint
Place of Origin:Sri Lanka / Ceylon