Masks

Mask is an ornamental facial decorative wear used in entertainment and dancing. Early man used masks in rituals, Dramas, Cureing of sickness. It is believed that mask provide curative benefits for physiological problems.
Use of mask in Sri Lanka as old as Sinhala nation and there are three main verities and used the wood call “Diya Kanduru” ( nux vomica or Blazar) .Reason for using Diya Kanduru is for it’s lightness,Durability,no cracking,no insect attacking and easy to carve.

1) Sanni mask
Sanni means sickness and there are 18 sicknesses hence there are 18 sanni masks.

2) Kolam mask
Kolam mask used more in dramas and commonly seen Southern part of Sri Lanka.
“Aatha Kolama, Arachchi Kolama, Police Kolama, Jasaya and Lenchina are some of them.

3) Raksha mask
Used in many functions and features comes as Gurula Mask (Gurula is a mythical bird), Cobra mask, Peacock mask…etc.