Bamba
Item number 3392/9 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 a spiritual being with a serpentine lower body. The being has white skin that transitions into a black, snake-like body at the waist. Around the being's waist is a belt of pink flower petals with white tips. Adornments are wrapped around the being's chest and neck, and decorative bands encircle its biceps and wrists. The being has narrow eyes, a small mouth, and stretched earlobes which extend down to its chin. It is wearing a headpiece which comes to a point at both sides. There is a teardrop shaped decoration on top of the headpiece, and side panels extend across its shoulders. In one of the being's hands is a yellow, oblong object, and in the other is a yellow and orange rectangular object. Below the being is a large pink flower with a thick stem and yellow centre. The painting's background is blue, and a rectangular black border encircles the image. Blue and white oblong rings radiate from the being's 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
- Bamba
- Identification Number
- 3392/9
- Type of Item
- painting
- Overall
- height 37.5 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
- 3392/0009
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