Description

RATHNAKUTA RAKSHA MASK

Rathnakut Raksha mask is one of the many Sri Lankan traditional wooden masks. The Traditional Wooden Raksha (Demon) Masks are one of the main productions in the Craft Industry of Sri Lanka and are a huge interest among the locals as well as the tourists. The Raksha(Demon) Wooden Masks have been used in Traditional Sri Lankan festivals and Cultural dances for decades. These Masks are handmade by our talented craftsmen using Kaduru wood which is a source of the world’s lightest timber. These Masks are believed to Ward off Evil and bring Harmony & Prosperity. There are different forms when it comes to these Masks. Such as Naga, Gini, Rathnakuta, Mayura, Gara and many more.

On the head of the red mask is a large snake hood, almost covering this are three snake hoods. Some call the Naga Rakshaya, Rathnakuta (red mask). But among different dance troupes Naga Raksha (Snake demon) and Rathnakuta (red mask) have been differently identified and are two different masks. On inquiring into this matter, it has been found that the main snake head on the Naga (snake) mask covered by three snake heads is also present in the Rathnakuta (red mask). Differences can be noted in the earrings attached on both sides of the snake pictures.

There are few types of traditional wooden masks used in these rituals. The masks which the ones representing the diseases are called “Sanni Mask”. The mask with cobra hoods for the head dress and the ears is called “Naga Raksha” or cobra demon. The mask with features of a bird is called Garuda Raksha, the mask with the round ears in the form of lotus flowers and two tusks representation is “Gara Yaka” (Gara Demon) and the one with the flames is “Gini Raksha” (Fire Demon).