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The
highlight of the event was the putting of masks on the disciples.
Craftsmen were given the mask representing Ganesha was given to
followers of the performing arts.
No
two masks had the same features, but it was this difference that
distinguished each mask. The white-faced Siva, for example, wore
a gourd-like crown, while Narayana wore a victory crown. Brahma,
with his four faces all painted in white, wore a two-tiered
victory crown, while Ravana came with two heads, one with a face
in three shades of gold and the other green, each head wearing a
victory crown.
The
ceremony ended only when all the disciples had been masked. The
ritual gave masks a significant role in the artistic circle, as
representatives of art. masters since ancient times.
The
masks representing the characters in the
are classified according to their importance. Ravana is regarded
as the most important of all the characters as the epic is about
him; therefore the College of Dramatic
has never presented a masked drama, or ,
that centers on Ravana being killed in battle. It has become a
Thai tradition through generations not comply with the tradition
is believed to face premature death.
The
importance of masks as the masters of Thai folk arts is well
underlined in the minds of Thai performers. To them, the masks
are the center of faith and play a leading role in creating
pride in Thai identity, like the one witnessed in the ancient
homage-paying ritual held recently a the National Theater. |
