Lot 442: A Sri Lankan Carved and Polychrome Painted Wooden Maha Kola Mask

A hand-carved and polychrome painted wooden ritual mask originating from Sri Lanka. The object represents a Maha Kola figure, characterized by a primary central face at the base surmounted by a fan-like headdress composed of thirteen integrated smaller faces. The central face features large, stylized eyes with defined black pupils, a prominent nose, and red lips, crowned by a decorative golden-hued band with a central floral motif. The upper faces display varied demonic and human-like expressions, including wide grins, bared teeth, and protruding tongues. Several of these subsidiary faces incorporate cobra (naga) motifs, with hooded snake forms visible on their foreheads. The mask is finished in a traditional polychrome palette including shades of red, green, yellow, and black. The reverse of the mask is hollowed out with visible raw tool marks and features a small metal loop for wall mounting. There are no maker’s marks, signatures, or labels present on the object.