Devil Dances Dances of Sri Lanka
devil dances @ turn of twentieth century.
mask of demon maha sohona used in tovil healing ritual in sri lanka
the devil dances attempt respond common belief ailments caused unseen hands , should chased away patient cured. if individual or family not doing well, village-folk believe s because person or family being harassed unseen hands. tovil ceremony answer.
the tovil can simple ritualistic ceremony @ home restricted family , immediate neighbours or involving whole village gam-maduva or devol-maduva closely linked worship of gods. masked dancers take part in @ least 2 of well-known tovil ceremonies referred maha sohon samayama , gara yakuma . mention of maha sohona frightens people since believed demon of graveyards.
the performer disguises himself bear , wears mask , dress resemble one. tovil involves sanni dances dancers wear masks. daha ata sanniya refers eighteen ailments demon being responsible each 1 of them.
dancers wearing masks depicting different characters take part in processions while @ ceremonies. of later origin masks worn children , teenagers @ street performances during vesak. popularly known olu bakko simple reason oversize masks worn, these performances keep younger folk, in particular, entertained.
the simple version of devil dance ritual starts in morning building of stage, decorations , preparation of costumes. performers build intricate stage before dancing commences. stage consists of wall made of freshly cut natural materials such coconut palm tree , banana tree trunks. depending on region , available materials stage may coated clay mud. dances accompanied drummers herald begin of ritual. distinctive sound ensures neighbours turn take part. full ritual lasts until morning, dancers consuming betel-nut juice , drinking coke stay awake. dances can go on multiple days.
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