The town of Ambalangoda along the south coast road is the home of devil dancing and mask making traditions that have been carried out for generations. Traditional masks are still produced in soft kadura wood and some stained with vegetable dyes for ritual use.  

 

Mask Carving

The devil dance is performed to exorcise evil spirits and diseases as well as for seeking blessing from good spirits. Today the tradition of hanging a masked dummy up on new houses and huts is seen everywhere to prevent evil spirits entering while under construction.  

Sanni Mask

If sicknesses are to be cured the rituals can last all night. A sanni mask is worn which includes grotesque representations of 18 different devils associated with afflictions. The ritual is to drive them out. 18 separate masks can be used in these ceremonies.  

    

Naga masks

Naga masks are very elaborate designs featuring a demonic face topped with writhing cobras. It is said to represent protection. The counterpart is the gurulu mask featuring a snake eating bird.  

          

Masks in the Ambalangoda Museum

Mask on 20 Rupee Note