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Sinhalese Devil Dancers - Sri Lanka
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Sinhalese Devil Dancers - Sri Lanka
Sinhalese Devil Dancers - Sri Lanka. The Sinhalese (Sinhala, Sinhala Jathiya, Hela or Sinhale) are an Indo-Aryan ethnic group native to the island of Sri Lanka. Date: 1909
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Media ID 14393699
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
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This photograph, taken in 1909, showcases a group of Sinhalese Devil Dancers performing a traditional ritual dance in Sri Lanka. The Sinhalese, also known as Sinhala, Sinhala Jathiya, Hela, or Sinhale, are the Indo-Aryan ethnic group indigenous to the island nation. The Sinhalese Devil Dance, also known as the Yaktova or Kohomba Kankariya, is a significant cultural tradition that dates back to ancient times. This dance is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity and good fortune to the community. The performers wear elaborate and intricately designed costumes, which include masks representing various demons and devils. The dancers' bodies are adorned with colorful paint and their faces are covered with elaborate masks, often featuring horns, fangs, and other fearsome features. In this image, we see a drummer in the foreground, dressed in a simple white shirt and dhoti, providing the rhythm for the dancers. Behind him, several dancers are seen in various stages of the dance, their bodies contorted and expressive as they move in unison. The dancers' costumes are a riot of colors and patterns, with brightly colored fabric, feathers, and beads adorning their bodies. The overall effect is one of energy, excitement, and otherworldliness, as the dancers seem to summon the spirits of the past and bring them to life before our very eyes. This photograph is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka and the resilience of its people, who continue to preserve and celebrate their traditions despite the passage of time. It is a reminder of the power of art and performance to connect us to our past and to bring communities together in celebration and unity.
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