Asurayo Denna
Item number 3392/32 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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- Data
- 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 one another. The beings are each holding out an arm in front of them, which are linked at the elbow. They have yellow skin, black hair, and grinning fanged mouths. A circular disc protrudes backwards from the side of each face. They are wearing wide, blue and white striped pants that end at the knee and curl outward at the hips. An inverted, red triangular piece of fabric hangs down from each of their waists. Both beings are holding a blade over their shoulder, and their other arm ends in a red, oblong shape. There are decorative bands around both of the beings' necks. The painting's background is red, and a rectangular black border surrounds the image. White oblong rings radiate from both 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
- Asurayo Denna
- Identification Number
- 3392/32
- Type of Item
- painting
- Overall
- height 37.5 cm, width 27.2 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
- fair
- Accession Number
- 3392/0032
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