Photo Devil Dance by Dilantha Maneth Perera

The "Devil Dances" are an attempt to respond to the common belief that certain ailments are caused by unseen hands and that they should be chased away for the patient to get cured.

If an individual or a family is not doing well, the village-folk believe that it's because that person or the family is being harassed by unseen hands. A 'thovil' ceremony is the answer.

The 'thovil' can be a simple ritualistic ceremony at home restricted to family and immediate neighbours or involving the whole village like the 'gam-maduva' or the 'devol-maduva' which is closely linked to the worship of gods. Masked dancers take part in at least two of the well-known 'thovil' ceremonies referred to as the 'Maha Sohon Samayama' and the 'Gara Yakuma'. The mention of 'Moha Sohona' frightens the people since he is believed to be the demon of the graveyards.

The performer disguises himself as a bear and wears a mask and a dress to resemble one. Often the 'thovil' involves the 'sanni' dances where all the dancers wear masks. The 'daha ata sanniya' refers to sixteen ailments with a demon being responsible for each one of them.

Dancers wearing masks take part in processions while at certain ceremonies, masks are used to depict different characters. Of later origin are the masks worn by children and teenagers at street performances during Vesak. Popularly known as 'olu bakko' for the simple reason that oversize masks are worn, these performances keep the younger-folk, in particular, entertained.

published:

Thu 13 Sep 2007 16:00

equipment:

digital camera Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL

permanent link:

https://www.photoforum.ru/photo/388428/

comments (13 from 13)

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silvia marmori #1 Thu 13 Sep 2007 16:46

oh.. your story is as much fascinating as your image!

nice to see you back..i was, also, so long time far.. big hug my friend!

Dilantha Maneth Perera #6 Fri 14 Sep 2007 08:05

hi silvi.. yeah i am back smile

its so nice to have such a lovely friend like you.. not forgotten me..

I had some troubles sometimes and didnt had a proper mind to get in to photography a lot or surf photoforum.

anyway i am back now happily smile

hoping to see lots and lots pics from you and all my friends here smile

Best Regards!