These masks are used in a mythological drama presenting life as it is imagined to have been in early Sinhalese history. The drama depicts the encounter of the King's court with demonic forces. The masks are said to have been gifts of the gods to a pregnant queen who developed a craving to see such dances. Unlike the exorcistic Sanni Yakuma, Kolam performances are primarly for entertainment, and the characters, including the demons,are treated humorously.