Masks and drum beats live on
 

by Lakmal Welabada

Have you ever met a 'Kalu Kumara' (Black Prince) or 'Kalu Yakka' (Black Demon) who are identical in your real life? "No" would be your answer. Like to know about the legend behind it?

During the reign of King Gajabahu, one of the Indian Kings had invaded Lanka and taken thousands of hostages to India, King Gajabahu wanted to free these hostages and sent his army under Nilamaha Yodhaya, a giant, to India. The army was victorious. King Gajabahu was jubilant. So he asked Nilamaha Yodhaya what he wanted as a gift.

The giant replied that he had heard of a village in the remote state in India where only women lived. The giant asked permission from the King to go there and select a wife for himself. So, the King gave his consent. The giant went there, and when the women got to know about his purpose all of them tried to entice him. And then apparently, they all grabbed him. As no woman wanted to give in, they tore the giant to pieces. In the moment of his death, Nilama Yodhaya was so furious about these women that he was reborn as a Yakka to take revenge on all women by bringing diseases to them.

It might not applicable to you as these legendaries of demons were said to be used as the symbols mainly of various types of mental diseases. And most of the sicknesses of which the ancient people couldn't figure out the cause or reason that disturbed the equilibrium of their normal life was considered as due to an evil act of a demon. Just like today's MBBS specialists in psychiatry who are qualified to treat various kinds of psychological problems, during the ancient times in Lanka, 'Yak Gurunnanses' (demon specialists) were known as the indigenous doctors for such healing processes. These demon specialists were called in to drive away such evil spirits of demons and then to re-establish the equilibrium of the patient. These specialists employ a complex set of healing rituals. To acquire the necessary knowledge, the specialist has to undergo a strenuous training. Unlike today they didn't have 'medical colleges'. The only university or the college and the professor of the subject was their most senior members of the family. These rituals were passed on from grandfathers to fathers to sons, in other words, to the immediate family line.

Healing rituals

The healing rituals are mainly meant for the patient. However, such a disease is not considered personal, and is treated as if it has affected the whole social group. So, it becomes a social gathering sort of event. The healing processes which are called 'Thovils', and the related procedures meant for blessing purposes for individuals known as 'Shaanthi Karma' are very colourful and sometimes excessively elaborated ceremonies with dancing, drumming, fire works, a vibrant colour combination of clothes and Gok leaf decorations. More than anything the mask performances are the most enticing episode of the event. The devil masks are used to symbolise the 'Yakka', the evil spirit, and it along with the drum beats and the 'pandams' (fire torches) somehow help to vibrate the human psychological state, through which the curing purpose is done.

Even after centuries, still the beliefs in connection with these occult crafts and healings exist in the country, either as treatment processes or as a colourful heritage that lures tourists and locals of all walks of life.

When talking of low country mask performances, at least a sentence should be written about the 'Kolam' dances. Although the origin of this elaborated dances give little anthropological research details this form of entertaining and comedian drama type performance is also still prevailing as an enthusiastic art.

The mask museum

Ambalangoda, a town in the southern coastal area is famous for Pahatharata dancing (low country dancing), drum beats and carving of masks. Villagers in this area have been engaged in carving masks for generations. Among them the late Bandu Wijesooriya's name ranks first. The Ambalangoda Mask Museum which he found in 1987 with the help of the Federal Republic of Germany still stands at the Ambalangoda town. This museum is a treasure trove of knowledge, tradition and culture of Sri Lanka which has been attracting many locals and tourists - school children, research workers and scholars. Since the workshop is also adjoining those who are interested in mask carving can learn the master craft under the skilled maestros.

The Bandu Wijesooriya School of Dance which is next to the mask museum conducts dancing classes in low country (Pahatharata) dancing, Kandyan dancing and Indian dancing like Kuchi-Pudi, Mohini Attam, Kathakali and Odisi including the traditional drumming and music.

Kanchana and Manoshika Wijesooriya, the two daughters of the late maestro Bandu Wijesooriya have shouldered the responsibility of continuing the country's age old traditional art performances. "The main subject of the school is 'Pahatharata Shanthi Karma' dancing and drumming. And the other dances were taught as co-subjects along with that," says Kanchana.

Ten students of the age group of 12-18 years of the Bandu Wijesooriya School of Dance got the opportunity to visit Germany and Austria on an invitation given by the Children Cultural Caravan. The main purpose of this tour was to give an exposure to the children in Germany and Austria of the traditional cultural heritages in other countries. India and Bolivia also took part in these events.

"We expect to have another tour to Germany next year, as they have inquired from us to arrange a troupe of pure traditional low country dance," hopes Kanchana.

'Bingu Sara' is the annual concert the Bandu Wijesooriya School of Dance has been staging on every December 31 commemorating the late maestro's birthday...

The second concert will be held this month at the Town Hall, Ambalangoda. 'Bingu Sara' would be an enthralling session for enthusiasts of traditional low country 'Shanthi Karma' dancing and masks performances and drum beats....

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