Identifier:
2001.28.36
Description:
Elaborate demon mask, representing the Thai demon Thotsakan, is made of molded paper mache in comprised of three detachable sections. The first section is a red painted face and gold leafed traiangular crown. The face has green and gold paint decorations on projecting eyebrows, eyes and mouth. Curved mother of pearl tusks on both sides of mouth. Small round eye holes are cut into black eyeballs. Projecting ears and headress are covered in gold leaf ornamented with rhinestones and blue glass jewels. A smaller version of the main face and crown are repaeted in the next section of the mask. This is sumounted by a 3 dimensional head and face topped with a gold leafed and jeweled, three tier crown . The top section of the tiers is detchable from the main crown and terminates in a pinnacle.;This mask is a representative of Thotaken, the ten-headed devil, a classical character in the traditional dance-pantomine dramas of Thailand known as 'Khon.' Khon dramas are masked-plays that involve singing, dancing, acting, and acrobatics in rythm with Thai classical orchestral 'piphat' music. The major insturments include xylophone type instruments, gongs, drums and oboe-sounding instruments. The individual characters of each Khon dancer is shown by their Hua Khon masks. The Khon dramas were initially an integral part of court entertainment and were performed on important occasions , functions and ceremonies. Khon eventually became popular among the public and was performed at social events, Buddist ordaining ceremonies, and annual festivals. Today Khon is mostly performed during funeral or cremation ceremonies or during national events or festivities. The origins of the Khon are believed to have been derived from the Thai shadow puppet plays. The foremost theme of the khon is the struggle between good and evil. The mask was identified as an average, very recent example by Bennet Bronson, Ph.D., Professor of History, University of Illinois--Chicago, IL: tel: 312.665.7832.;Came with 'Nomads' objects sent by Canadian Museum. Determined that it was not part of the 'Nomads' exhibit.;This mask is a representation of the demon Totsakan, King of Lonka, incarnation of Nontok, a divine courtier.
Date:
20th century
Materials:
Molded Paper Mache, Paper Mache, Gold Leaf, Glass
Dimensions:
26" h 12" w 12" d
Current Location Status:
In Storage
Collection Tier:
Tier 2
Source:
Gift Of Quebec, Canada The Musee De La Civilisation
Related Entity:
Musee de la Civilisation (donor)
Related Place:
Thailand
