Janet's Journal

The vibrant, colourful masks on display in many shops have their roots in primitive pre Buddhist beliefs going back more than two thousand years and come from the Rakshasas, a race who ruled Sri Lanka and could assume different forms. Raksha means demon and the masks are intended to ward off evil in a series of rituals and dances. They are painted in vibrant colours with bulging eyes and protruding tongues.

Mask dancers perform in the many Cultural Shows on the island and also feature in the various Perahera (religious festivals).

Raksha masks are hung on walls of homes and also make unique souvenirs to take home.

Ambalangoda, in the south west of the island is the home of traditional mask carving.  Light weight kaduru (balsa) wood is dried and then the features are painstakingly carved using tools handed down through the generations.  The wood is then smoothed first using the rough skin of marlin and manta fish, then leaves from the motadeliya and delsavaran trees.  Finally they are painted with natural pigments.  Commercially made masks are painted with modern paints giving a brighter glossier finish and are cheaper to buy.  

Ginidal Raksha

This is the Fire Demon. The mask represents the emotion of anger and its colours are red, orange and yellow. The patterns on the ears are warding off all evil. The fire mask is hung in homes as protection from hazards and evil.

Mal Gurulu Raksha

The Flower Bird Demon. Can be recognised by the beak, the multicoloured swirls around the head and the single snake that encircles the mouth and rises above the forehead. Flowery eagle that brings fame, power and fortune.

The Gurulu is a mythical solar bird. According to Hindu and Buddhist mythology is was the vehicle on which the Hindu God Vishnu rode. The bird is devouring a snake. The snake above the bird’s face is called Naga and the mask is decorated with enemy snakes. The mask is said to give beauty, power and fame. They can be hung in homes for protection and good luck

Naga, Dwi Naga and Ratnakutha Raksha Masks

The three types of Naga (snake) mask have similar meanings. The masks portray the snake demon who could transform into a King Cobra. They have sharp, flesh eating teeth and a blood thirsty protruding tongue. The mask is used to protect against all types of evil spirits.

Mayuri Raksha

The Mayuri Raksha masks represent three beautiful peacocks. They bring peace, wealth and prosperity to a house or business, at the same time they ward off evil spirits. Normally painted in shades of blue. The are often used in ancient forms of dancing.

Maru Raksha

This is the demon of death’s mask.

Gara Raksha

The King of the Demons. The Gara mask is used in peraheras, and folk dramas, showing this mask is the final performance. Fishermen take them in processions to increase their catch. Designed to ward off evil influences and evil spirits it is a widely used mask. There is a separate performance of the Gara Demon ritual to cure illness.