Mask
Item number Eh88 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
Item number Eh88 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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Mask with red humanoid face that has bulging eyes with crescent-shaped holes underneath, a bulbous nose, black and white lines on the forehead and brows, and wide red lips surrounded by radiating black triangles, and long white oval teeth. An orange cord is strung through holes on either side of the mask. A label written in blue ink on reverse reads, "Wewhensanai," and another label written in red ink reads, '57/TLG'.
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 represents Wewhen Sanni, who depicts shivering. If used as Gamaya, in the Kolam, it is used in the last part of the drama.
exorcism
The mask may represent two characters. The bulging eyes, large mouth, single row rectangular teeth, lines around mouth and colour correspond with Wewhen Sanni, or its physical characteristics also suggest Gamaya, a character in the Kolam, a satirical folk dance drama.
This data has been provided to the RRN by the MOA: University of British Columbia. We've used it to provide the information on the Data tab.
exorcism
The mask may represent two characters. The bulging eyes, large mouth, single row rectangular teeth, lines around mouth and colour correspond with Wewhen Sanni, or its physical characteristics also suggest Gamaya, a character in the Kolam, a satirical folk dance drama.
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 represents Wewhen Sanni, who depicts shivering. If used as Gamaya, in the Kolam, it is used in the last part of the drama.
Mask with red humanoid face that has bulging eyes with crescent-shaped holes underneath, a bulbous nose, black and white lines on the forehead and brows, and wide red lips surrounded by radiating black triangles, and long white oval teeth. An orange cord is strung through holes on either side of the mask. A label written in blue ink on reverse reads, "Wewhensanai," and another label written in red ink reads, '57/TLG'.
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