EXP 2 - Patterns Galore! - „MAURA RAKSHA“

EXP 2 - Patterns Galore! with Lecturer: Mauricio Sosa Noreña

Introduction - Traditional Masks of Sri Lanka

Mask of Sri Lanka suggests dramatic and varying meanings to the visual image, hopes, and imagination arising from the beliefs and fears of the rural folk. These are considered to be part of religion, ritual dramas, and folk theatre with ritual overtones.

Masks of endless style have been worn worldwide since antiquity to provide physical and psychological transformation of character. Sri Lanka has a distinctive mask heritage, and enjoys a living tradition in mask dance-drama: dozens of types of masks, many bizarre, are used in spiritual, secular, magical, and even exorcism rituals.

Types of Masks in Sri Lanka

Masks generally fall into three categories:

Kolam, Sanni, and Raksha.

01 - Kolam (Dance-drama masks or the Kolam theatrical masks/ Comic Folk Play)- 24 types of masks

02 - Thovil and Sanni (ceremonies to exorcize disease-causing demons) - 18 types of masks

03 - Raksha (Demon Masks) -24 types of masks

Behind the carving of many masks is a traditional tale, an age-old belief structure.

Sri Lanka’s Mask Heritage

Sri Lanka’s mask heritage has played an essential role in the country’s society, both in drama and healing, but the associated supernatural beliefs are now eroding, even though mask-making and special performances for tourists persist. Thus it is crucial that older masks are preserved in public collections, to enable future generations to marvel at their brilliance and meaning.

Raksha Masks, Larger Than The Kolam And Sanni Types, Are Mainly Used In Festivals And Processions, Often To Perform Raksha Dances Within The Kolam.

The authentic masks and masking traditions of Sri Lanka are an extraordinary cultural phenomenon. There's a significant contribution Sri Lanka has made to the Asian cultural spectrum.