Wooden Masks are produced in the South western coastal belt of Sri Lanka. The city of South costal has a long heritage in the specialized handicraft of producing Wooden Masks. Wooden Masks in a wide range of sizes in vibrant colors are made of the timber locally called ‘Kaduru”.  Kaduru tree that grows in marshy lands bordering paddy fields is light and soft making it an ideal material to turn out wooden masks.

The technique of producing masks has been passed from generation to generation from the ancient times. The logs of Kaduru are dried in the hard tropical sun till the sticky juice of the timber is evaporated and then cut into pieces of the required sizes.

Then the basic shape of the mask is fashioned by means of chisels and mallets out of the cut piece of the log accordingly to the measurements given in ancient recorded instructions of seasoning the timber. The seasoned piece of timber is carved, smoothened and painted. The Wooden masks, each with its distinctive features and colors, are carved to depict gods, humans, demons and beasts.

Carved wooden furniture and household items is also a popular buy amongst locals and foreigners alike.             

Maha Kola Mask

Maha Kola is the boss of 18 demons of illness that are represented in the Sanni Dance (“Devil Dance”). Holding victims in his hands and mouth, Maha Kola is surrounded by snakes and by the 18 Sanniyas – the demons of blindness, cholera, boils, and other pestilences, each of whom is given its own mask. As the curing ceremony proceeds, a ritual specialist propitiates the appropriate demon(s) on behalf of the patient and his family. When done, the demons are dismissed and the area is ritually cleansed of any lingering bad influences.

Made of fine Sri Lankan wood

Dimensions (inch) (LxWxH) : 18 in x 8 in x 24 in