The Psychological Background of Colour Symbolism in Sri Lankan Traditional Masks

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Publication Abstract

The Low Country dance tradition of Sri Lanka, centred in the Southern and parts of the Western Province, features three stylistic schools: Matara, Benthara, and Raigama. Central to these traditions are ritual healing ceremonies (shantikarma) and popular folk dramas (Kolam), where masks play a vital role. These masks serve as powerful storytelling tools, generating humour and portraying a wide range of characters, thereby evoking strong emotional responses in audiences. Despite the cultural significance of Sri Lankan traditional masks, there is limited scholarly focus on how their colour symbolism influences psychological engagement and ritual effectiveness. This gap hinders a deeper understanding of how traditional performances impact mental states, emotions, and social cognition. The colours on these masks are not arbitrary; they psychologically stimulate the audience and convey messages about a character’s masculinity, social status, and moral orientation. This study adopts a qualitative methodology, incorporating interviews, observations, and literature reviews. Mask performers involved in shantikarma and Kolam drama were observed over one month, with in-depth interviews conducted over four months. Drawing from psychological theories of colour perception and cultural semiotics, the research highlights how colour choices in mask design are intentionally crafted to influence both performers and spectators. The study reveals that these colours enhance narrative impact and serve therapeutic purposes within ritual contexts. Thus, Sri Lankan masks, a profound element of the nation’s cultural heritage, demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of colour’s psychological effects, enriching both performance art and communal healing practices.