(Sent in by Indra Anandasabapathy)
This blog is about new entrants to the Colombo Medical Faculty of the University of Ceylon (as it was then known) in June 1962. There were a total of 166 in the batch (included 11 from Peradeniya).Please address all communications to: colmedgrads1962@gmail.com.You may bookmark this page for easier access later. Header image: Courtesy Prof. Rohan Jayasekara, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo (2011 - 2014). Please use the search bar using a key word to access what interests you
Looks really beautiful and intricate Indra. I did a bit of research and share it here for the benefit of Blogger buggers!
ReplyDeleteThe history and traditions of Borucan masks began over 500 years ago, during the Spanish Conquest. 'Diablito' masks, or little devil masks were created and worn with the intent to scare the unwelcome invaders back to Spain. The conquistadors called the indigenous Borucans devils because they observed uncircumsized natives with faces of forbidding devilish images and other animal figures, therefore assumed that they worshipped the devil. The Borucan people feel a great sense of pride knowing that they were triumphant in keeping the Spanish from conquering their land and their spirit. When the Spaniards arrived with advanced weapons, the Borucans only had animal spirits, such as the jaguar, to guide them. In homage to the spirits that aided them, today's intricate masks are carved and painted to represent these spirits, fierce animals, devils, and also images of the local flora and fauna of their country. The Borucans have become over the years very detailed relief carvers. Relief carvings have a flat back and the image carved in three dimension, obtaining unbelievable depths, all from one piece of wood. The majority of masks are all of one primary piece of wood, the only glued-on additions are for the very small birds and their beaks, which are constructed with small pieces of inserted wood
Thank you Mahen.
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Indra thank you for the lovely post and Mahen for sharing his research. There is so much talent and creative beauty around us if we just care to observe and appreciate. Brilliant and colourful.
ReplyDeleteIndra , Thank you for bringing us the latest from the Morales - so fascinating and
ReplyDeleteintricate as I’ve probably said before.
Thank you. It really is a work of art. Did you notice the selling prize. The red tag shows that they got sold on day 1, open only to members at Selby gardens.
ReplyDeleteYes I did notice the price - As works of art with such intricacy, natural themes and historic background they seem surprisingly low.
ReplyDeleteThe problem of course is to find the space to accommodate and display them as they deserve at this stage of our lives !
Rohini, I have to agree with you. And there is no guarantee that what we buy the children will want. They sometimes do and at other times want the pleasure of purchasing on their own.
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As far as we are concerned down sizing is the way to go at this stage in life.
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Thank you,Indra for displaying the masks.Apart from their ornamental beauties,have you heard about any mystic powers,experienced by any one who possess them.Indigenous settlers,with a well known civilisations;might have had untold experiences in the era bygone.
ReplyDeleteSumathi.
No Sumathi,I have not heard of any mystic powers in people who have them. I would if that was so as I have one at home as a collectors item. One thing that I can say is it has gone up in price.
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