
Traditional Masks
Sri Lanka has inherited and been influenced by these traditions of mask making and devil dancing mainly from the cities of Kerala and Malabar in India while Sri Lankan artisans have managed to incorporate more decorative techniques and colour in the masks that are manufactured today.

Traditional Masks
Sri Lanka has inherited and been influenced by these traditions of mask making and devil dancing mainly from the cities of Kerala and Malabar in India while Sri Lankan artisans have managed to incorporate more decorative techniques and colour in the masks that are manufactured today.

Traditional Masks
Sri Lanka has inherited and been influenced by these traditions of mask making and devil dancing mainly from the cities of Kerala and Malabar in India while Sri Lankan artisans have managed to incorporate more decorative techniques and colour in the masks that are manufactured today.
Raksha masker av Sri Lanka
En Raksha-mask är en mask som srilankaner använder mycket i festivaler och kulturdanser. Raksha betyder ”demon” och maskerna är apotropa vilket innebär att den är avsedd att avvärja det onda. De är målade i livliga färger, med utbuktande ögon och utskjutande tungor och de visar olika typer av demoner.
Raksha-masker är den sista aspekten av Kolam-ritualen, och de är en hyllning till Rakshasas, ett lopp som tidigare styrde Sri Lanka och kunde anta 24 olika former. Men bara ett fåtal av dessa former utförs, av vilka några är:
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Naga Raksha
Cobra that captures its enemies and makes them slaves
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Gurulu Raksha
Hawk or Eagle that rescues the captives from the Naga
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Maru Raksha
Maru Raksha is described the demon of death.
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Rathnakuta Raksha
On the head of the red mask is a large snake hood.
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Gara Raksha
This mask is used in perahera rituals to cure sickness etc..
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Ginidal Raksha
Fire Devil that projects anger and wards off evil
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Mayura Raksha
Peacock that brings peace, harmony and prosperity
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Dwi Naga Raksha
Twin Cobra Devil that brings protection from all evils and danger
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Mal Gurulu Raksha
Flowery Eagle that brings fame and fortune