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History Of Use

The imagery is probably associated with ritual healing. 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.

Iconographic Meaning

Identified as a Raksha (demon)/Yakka; mischievous or evil.

Description

A watercolour painting which depicts a spiritual being with the head of an animal at its feet. The being's head is yellow, and its body is brown. It is wearing a yellow skirt that ends just below the knee and curls outward at the hip. The bottom of the skirt has a border made up of white, brown, yellow and blue horizontal stripes. The main body of the skirt is covered in thinner horizontal stripes, and consists of two pieces which come together in the front. A piece of fabric hangs down from the waist. Decorative bands encircle the being's biceps, wrists, and ankles. There is an additional adornment around its neck. The being has large, round eyes and a grinning fanged mouth. It is wearing a headpiece with round decorations at the top and sides. Two large discs protrude from the sides of its head. Both of the being's arms are raised. One is holding a small bow, and the other an arrow. The animal head at the being's feet is light blue, with a long face and ears, and short, pointed horns. The painting's background is blue, and a rectangular black border surrounds the image. Blue and white oblong rings radiate from behind the being's head and shoulders.