The collection was part of the 19th century international exhibitions of non-Western communities which appeared across Europe. These exhibitions, known as "ethnic shows," by the company of Carl Hagenbeck.
In this talk, Kulasekara describes ongoing, multidisciplinary research into this collection. The methodology includes exploring the museum’s catalogue, reviewing literature on ethnographic exhibitions and Sinhālese rituals, and undertaking close visual analysis using drawing and painting techniques. Additionally, the research incorporates digital microscope imaging and scientific analysis of the materials used in the making of masks. My research has so far produced comprehensive documentation for all forty-one objects. To illustrate the cultural value of these objects, describe Sinhālese rituals and their functions.
This introductory session also focuses on traditional ritual mask-making, mask iconography and regional styles and variation. To provide a broader context, these masks are categorized according to their respective ritual traditions and compared with similar masks in other European and Sri Lankan collections.
The talk is held by Dumith Kulasekara, who is an artist and a PhD student in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage at The School of Art, Portuguese Catholic University in Portugal.