Origin of photo

drdavid · 21st November 2018, 08:16 PM

The gentlemen with the shell chest pieces and the two at the back with the spiky headdress I associate with the ceremonial dance and drum groups that welcome dignitaries to a meeting/dinner etc for a special occasion (I was in Sri Lanka earlier this year and they wore essentially the same outfits)
DrD

Prasanna Weerakkody · 29th April 2019, 06:30 AM

coming in to the discussion a bit late as I just only ran in to it. being from Sri Lanka I can confirm that this image is Sri Lankan.

The image seem to be early 1900's and include a group of local dancers of the Kandyan tradition - dressed in "Pantheru" and "Wes" dancing costumes.

What is of interest is that the costume is assumed to be based on historic warrior armor where the decorative elements were replaced by chain and steel.

the Dances are still performed in Religious festivals and ceremonial events.

29th April 2019, 06:30 AM	#2
Prasanna Weerakkody Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Sri Lanka Posts: 52	Sri Lankan location confirmation coming in to the discussion a bit late as I just only ran in to it. being from Sri Lanka I can confirm that this image is Sri Lankan. The image seem to be early 1900's and include a group of local dancers of the Kandyan tradition - dressed in "Pantheru" and "Wes" dancing costumes. What is of interest is that the costume is assumed to be based on historic warrior armor where the decorative elements were replaced by chain and steel. the Dances are still performed in Religious festivals and ceremonial events.

21st November 2018, 08:16 PM	#1
drdavid Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 372	The gentlemen with the shell chest pieces and the two at the back with the spiky headdress I associate with the ceremonial dance and drum groups that welcome dignitaries to a meeting/dinner etc for a special occasion (I was in Sri Lanka earlier this year and they wore essentially the same outfits) DrD