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History Of Use

Worn during curing ritual of the Sanni Yakuma ceremony, part of the Tovil series of dramas performed by Sinhalese ritual specialists and dancers. The Sanni Yakuma is intended to combat diseases and afflictions caused by the Sanni group of demons. These consist of 18 or more apparitions of the chief demon, Maha-kola-sanni. The officiating healer honours Buddha, then appeases the demons with offerings, dancing, and chanting. This mask is probably Maru Sanni, the demon of death which is associated with delirium. It is also used in the Kolam ceremony, a secular form of entertainment, incorporating social satire in dance, mime and music. A purifying demon dance is also included.

Cultural Context

exorcism

Iconographic Meaning

This mask is painted black a colour associated with the most malevolent demons, diseases, moors, other foreigners and wild persons of low social class. The emphasis on a red exaggerated mouth is typical of demon figures. Large white teeth also denote demons.

Description

A mask consisting of an upper and lower jaw with a nose emerging from the flat top surface of the upper jaw piece. The lips and nostrils are painted red, the teeth are white, and the remainder of the mask is black. The interior is painted red fading to black. Tufts of hair have been inserted above the upper lip, and longer tufts of hair have been inserted just below the lower lip. The upper and lower sections are tied together with string, which also serves as straps at the back.