Mallawa Denna
Item number 3392/17 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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- Data Source
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Description
A watercolour painting which depicts two spiritual beings facing away from each other. The beings both have yellow skin and are wearing wide pants that end just above the knee. The pants are decorated with multicoloured stripes, and curl outward at the hip. An inverted triangular piece hangs down from each of their waists. A blue sash is draped diagonally across each of their chests, in opposite directions. The beings both have dark blue hair that curls upwards from their shoulders. Their earlobes are stretched, and extend almost to their chins. Two of the beings' arms are interlocked at the elbow. The other is raised up by their head. Two of the beings' legs are lifted up and forward so that only the toe touches the ground. Their knees cross in the middle of the page. The background of the painting is red, and a rectangular, dark blue border surrounds the image. There is a rounded, unpainted section behind each of the beings' head and shoulders.
History Of Use
The imagery is possibly associated with ritual healing in Sri Lanka. The set of watercolours (3392/3-34) is said to depict spirits that inhabit planets, or deviyo (minor gods) or rakshas and yakkas (evil or mischievous beings). These beings are often depicted in masked dances and exorcisms.
Narrative
The collector, Dr. Michael Egan, wrote his doctoral thesis on healing rituals in Sri Lanka. His fieldwork was carried out in the south of Sri Lanka, in the village of Kadurupokuna (Hambantota District), between Sept. 1965 and Nov. 1966.
Item History
- Made in Sri Lanka between 1960 and 1966
- Collected between 1965 and 1966
- Owned by Michael John Egan before 1977
- Owned by Carol Egan before October 2, 2019
- Received from Carol Egan (Donor) on October 2, 2019
What
- Name
- Mallawa Denna
- Identification Number
- 3392/17
- Type of Item
- painting
- Overall
- height 36.0 cm, width 27.4 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Sri Lanka
Who
- Culture
- Sinhalese
- Previous Owner
- Michael John Egan and Carol Egan
- Received from
- Carol Egan (Donor)
When
- Creation Date
- between 1960 and 1966
- Collection Date
- between 1965 and 1966
- Ownership Date
- before 1977 and before October 2, 2019
- Acquisition Date
- on October 2, 2019
Other
- Item Classes
- paintings; works on paper
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 3392/0017
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