
4 0 c m
29cm
actual image size: 21cm x 32cm
Description
Painted face mask representing the head of an animal, probably a boar, posibly worn during the kolam masked playasociated with the exorcism of disease demons. In Sri Lankan medicine demons are believed to upset the balance of the Ayurvedic humours (bile, phlegm and wind). The balance is restored in the 'Tovil' ritual in which the demons are exorcised by performers wearing masks that represent them.
Image Details
Image Ref.
10284637
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library