Mask
Item number Eh30 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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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
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
- Made in Sri Lanka before 1978
- Collected during 1978
- Owned by Jason Schoonover before February 10, 1981
- Received from Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Jason Schoonover (Seller) on February 10, 1981
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
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Sri Lanka
Who
- Culture
- Sinhalese
- Previous Owner
- Jason Schoonover
- Received from
- Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Jason Schoonover (Seller)
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
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