Demon masks from the Emerald Isle 
News

Demon masks from the Emerald Isle

These demon masks from Sri Lanka were part of old dance rituals to ward off the evil eye

Author : Amit Dixit

It&rsquos a bird. It&rsquos a plane. It&rsquos the Garuda. But this king of birds is no mere plaything. For centuries, Sri Lanka&rsquos demon masks have been used by witch doctors in cathartic dance rituals to fend off the evil eye and cure diseases. Originally, masks were only vegetable-dyed. The price of revival is enamel paint, and bright, cheery demons. Ambalangoda town, 90 km south of Colombo on the Galle Road, is the mask capital of the emerald isle. You can get a teeny one for Sri Lankan Rs 50. It&rsquos all skywards from there.

Exploring Coober Pedy: Australia's Underground Town Of Opals And Dugouts

Explained: Airline Rewards Programs, Their Benefits And How To Choose Between Them

Kaas Plateau: A Biodiversity Haven In Full Bloom

6 Lesser-Known Dubai Tourist Places For Your Next Trip

Where Astronomy Meets Architecture: All About The Indira Gandhi Planetarium In Lucknow

SCROLL FOR NEXT