Mask Item Number: Eh30 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Mask representing a male humanoid face with movable eyeballs, ovoid in shape, that are wired into open sockets. Nose with rounded tip and flared nostrils. Very wide mouth extending to small ears. Hinged lower jaw with a protruding lower lip. Grey string beard and moustache. Black cloth behind mouth opening. The Mask is pink with black lines on the forehead, and red and white lines on the brows, cheeks, and nostrils. The bridge and tip of the nose are painted yellow.

History Of Use

Worn during curing ritual of the Sanni Yakuma ceremony, part of the Tovil series of dramas performed by Sinhalese ritual specialists and dancers. The Sanni Yakuma is intended to combat diseases and afflictions caused by the Sanni group of demons. These consist of 18 or more apparitions of the chief demon, Maha-kola-sanni. The officiating healer honours Buddha, then appeases the demons with offerings, dancing, and chanting. This mask represents Kalas Paliya, the pot-bearing apparition, a character which appears in the early stages of the Sanni Yakuma.

Iconographic Meaning

Pink facial colour is used for the faces of kings Europeans, and some demons.

Cultural Context

exorcism

Item History

What

Name
Mask
Identification Number
Eh30
Type of Item
mask
Material
wood, copper metal, hemp fibre and cotton fibre
Manufacturing Technique
carved, knotted and painted
Overall
height 25.0 cm, width 22.0 cm, depth 10.0 cm

Who

Culture
Sinhalese
Previous Owner
Jason Schoonover
Received from
Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Jason Schoonover (Seller)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Sri Lanka

When

Creation Date
before 1978
Collection Date
during 1978
Ownership Date
before February 10, 1981
Acquisition Date
on February 10, 1981

Other

Condition
fair
Accession Number
0704/0029