08/12/2023
π±π°Ambalangoda Masks π±π° (ΰΆ
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Traditional Face Mask - Sri Lanka
The small town of Ambalangoda is famous for its masks and puppet crafts. Through the years, locals from the area have mastered the art of creating intricate, eerie and colourful masks and puppets, most of which have played an interesting part in the culture and heritage of the island.
Sri Lanka Mask Industry
At a time when the people worshipped trees and animals, masks were an indispensable part of Sri Lankan rituals and ceremonies. Now centuries later they are more of an interesting oddity. However, the traditional mask industry is still a thriving business that continues to fascinate both locals and tourists alike. With their colourful facades, odd shapes and intriguing histories, traditional Sri Lankan masks are commonly found adorning the walls of local houses. They also make excellent souvenirs. All masks have grotesque features that make them all the more interesting. Most masks feature gaping, misshapen mouths; sinister, bulging eyes; and bright, vivid colours. The local masks can be divided into several categories depending on their uses.
Some masks are used during ancestor worship, certain spiritual rituals and healing ceremonies. There are masks that are related to hunting, fertility and even exorcism. The exorcism masks are used during funerals and a ritual known as the tovil. Such ceremonies are still held in certain parts of the island and can be quite interesting to watch. Currently, the art of mask making is concentrated among a ambalangoda peoples who reside in Ambalangoda, Wathugedara mahaambalangoda as well as some parts along the Western coast.The timber that is used to make these decorative and colourful masterpieces should always be light and durable and therefore trees such as βRukkattanaβ and βDiyakanduruβ are used. There are different types of mask categories that are used in Sri Lanka which includes.
Raksha Mask β Used to perform Raksha dances in KolamMaduwa. According to ancient chronicles, Sri Lanka was earlier ruled by a race of Rakshasas (devils) whose king was Ravana of the legend Ramayana. These Rakshasas were able to assume various forms which now the masks depict. There are 24 forms of Rakshasas but only a few are performed in Kolam dance. These masks include the cobra mask, the mask of a bird and the mask of the demon of death.
Sanni Mask β These are used to treat illnesses while there are 18 sanni masks in use.
Kolam Maskβ This type is used mainly in dramas while popular kolam masks are Lenchina and Jasaya.
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