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Devil Dancers, Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
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Devil Dancers, Ceylon (Sri Lanka)
Devil Dancers of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), with drummers. Date: circa 1890s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14138301
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
Ceylon Dancer Dancers Devil Drum Drummer Drummers Drums Exotic Folded Headdress Lanka Percussion Tabla Turban Racial
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures a moment in time as Devil Dancers perform in Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, during the late 1890s. The Devil Dancers, an integral part of Sri Lankan cultural heritage, are depicted here with drummers, their faces painted with intricate designs and wearing colorful costumes. The dancers, with their bodies adorned in ornate headdresses and their arms folded, exude a sense of power and intensity. The drummers, dressed in turbans and holding tablas and drums, provide the rhythmic backdrop to the dance. The Devil Dancers, also known as Yaktova or Kohomba Kankariya, are a traditional dance form that originated in Sri Lanka's central province. The dance is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. The dancers, often men, wear masks and costumes that represent various demons and mythical creatures. The dance is characterized by its energetic movements, percussive music, and the use of fire. This photograph provides a glimpse into the rich cultural history of Sri Lanka during the colonial era. The racial and ethnic diversity of the performers and the audience reflects the multicultural fabric of Sri Lankan society. The image also highlights the importance of music and dance in Sri Lankan culture and their role in preserving traditions and passing them down through generations. Despite its exotic and ethnic appeal, this photograph should not be reduced to a mere representation of an 'other' or an 'asian' cultural practice. It is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Sri Lankan people and their ability to adapt and evolve their traditions in the face of colonialism and globalization.
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