Description
The word “Raksha” is a Sinhala (main language spoken in Sri Lanka) word meaning “demon”. A Raksha mask is a face covering unique to Sri Lankan culture painted with many vibrant colors and have carved large bulging eyes and tongues to represent various demons. These are worn during captivating and rhythmic dances performed in cultural festivities to tunes of traditional drums and chants passed down from many generations to ward off evil and to bring healing, prosperity, positive energy, and inner strength to everyone.
Besides being used for dances, these “Raksha” masks are used as a décor piece of Sri Lankan homes. It is believed these “Raksha” masks bless a home with positive energy and protects the occupants of the home. Also, these Raksha masks are hung in living rooms as a welcoming sign for guests, In the present day, “Raksha” masks have transformed into a globally recognized cultural icon of Sri Lanka.
The five types of Raksha masks found in our website are: “Gini” (Sinhala word meaning Fire) Raksha, “Naaga” (Sinhala word meaning Cobra) Raksha, “Mayura” (Sinhala word meaning Peacock) Raksha, “Gurulu” (Sinhala word meaning bird) Raksha, and “Garaa”(King of Demon) Mask. Each of these Raksha types represent different human traits, and it is believed that the inspiration for these masks came from legends of a very powerful group of people lived by the names of “raskhas”, who held many powerful traits, and great knowledge. And, with cultural dances and by hanging these masks in homes we are paying respect to those powerful personalities that lived before our time. Under each mask type, a more specific description of what each Raksha mask represents can be found.
We invite you to explore each of the amazing Raksha masks on our website painted in both traditional and modern color schemes and be inspired and get a sense of their radiating good energies. It is our goal to present and preserve these vibrant traditions of Sri Lankan culture for future generations to explore.
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