Mask

Item number Eh26 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Maha Kola Sanni Yaka healing mask, depicting a central figure wearing a headdress composed of five snakes and with long fang-like teeth holding an orange creature and standing on a dark red-brown smiling head (part a). The top figure has two detachable disc-shaped earpieces (parts b and c) with a floral motif. The central figure is flanked by two detachable segments (parts d and e) composed of two columns of four multi-coloured heads and the topmost column of one yellow head. At the top is a cobra whose body extends over the heads and down the outer side to the floral design element at the bottom. A label on the reverse of one of the side attachments reads, "MAHA-KOLA-SANNI-YAKKA: demon of 18 apparitions."

History Of Use

This mask was designed to be hung from a tree or on a wall during the Sanni Yakuma healing and exorcism ritual, part of the Tovil series of dramas performed by Sinhalese ritual specialists and dancers. The ritual is practiced in Sri Lanka and is intended to combat diseases and afflictions caused by the sanni demons. It includes a number of dance-drama performances, which include eighteen or more apparitions of the chief demon, Maha-kola-sanni. The officiating healer honours Buddha, then appeases the demons with offerings, dancing and chanting.

Iconographic Meaning

The mask overall represents the great demon of fatal disease. The eighteen servant demons, yakku, can be identified on the sides of the mask, symbolizing the manifestations of a wide array of afflictions. Visible clues to these afflictions often appear on the features and colours used. The demon Kanna Sanni has one eye closed, representing the blind; Gonna Sanni’s open mouth represents the mute; Kora Sanni, with its badly twisted face, indicates severe stroke. Red, dark green and black are the colours of demons. Yellow symbolizes certain diseases.

Cultural Context

healing; exorcism

Item History

Made in Sri Lanka before 1978
Collected during 1978
Owned by Jason Schoonover before February 10, 1981
Received from Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Jason Schoonover (Seller) on February 10, 1981