Masks - Sri Lanka

These vibrant, richly decorated masks are traditional masks from Sri Lanka, locally known as Vesmuhunu. Made mainly from light kaduru wood, these handcrafted creations are an integral part of the island's culture and are used in rituals, theatrical performances, and as protective talismans for the home.
In the image, several types of Raksha masks (demons) can be identified, each with a specific meaning:
Mask Types and Meanings
Mayura Raksha (Peacock Mask): It is the blue mask with feather-like decorations resembling peacock plumage (several of them can be seen in the image). It is believed to bring peace, harmony, and prosperity to the home.
Gini Raksha (Fire Mask): Characterized by stylized flames emanating from the head (the three red and yellow masks at the top right). It symbolizes the warmth and energy of fire and is used to ward off evil and malevolent spirits.
Naga Raksha (Cobra Mask): Often depicted with cobras protruding from the head (as the large one on the left). It represents protection and is traditionally hung at the entrance of homes to guard against ill-intentioned visitors and negative influences.
Main Categories of Masks
Sri Lankan tradition divides masks into three major families:
Raksha: Demonic masks used in festivals and ritual dances for protection and to dispel bad luck.
Sanni: Used in ancient healing rituals (Sanni Yakuma); there are 18 variants, each dedicated to a specific illness or disorder.
Kolam: Used in popular theatre to narrate humorous or satirical stories that depict characters from daily life or mythology.