Sri Lanka Makara Mask - Mid Century or Older. Excellent condition and elaborately made this mask is hand carved from wood, colorfully painted with colorful fabric across the top of the head where the mop like hair is attached to the top. On the back of the mask the natives utilized strips of rubber for a harness to seat it on the wearers head. The only fault we can see on close inspection is one of the side pieces which appear as ears but have another meaning has been glued as shown in photos. Usually used to symbolize those belonging to the Karava ethic group, the Makara Mask is the indicative mask for Sri Lanka's fishing communities. Carved on supple wood varieties such as Balsa wood the Makara Mask features a woman depicted as juggling spheres with her hands. The collection this mask is from was acquired midcentury so the mask in this lot is at least that old but may be much older. There are many different masks that have been made in Sri Lanka for generations and every mask maker seemed to have their own versions that follow along the stories lines of their beliefs. The name we gave to this mask is our best guess but it could fall under any of the following types of masks made in Sri Lanka - Kolam, Maha Kola, Makara Mask, Sanni, Garuda or Raksha Mask. It measures approximately 13" tall.

Authentic