Mask
Item number Eh33 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 depicting Devi Sanniya (which represents smallpox, cholera, typhoid, and all epidemic diseases). The face is female with a small green crown outlined with closely spaced white dots as well as thin black lines, and there are three small lobes at the top centre of the crown. The face has been painted yellow with thin black eyebrows, a nose with flaring red nostrils, and closed red lips. Cotton and plant fibre strips are knotted through holes on either temple. The label on the reverse reads, "DEVI SANNI: smallpos [sic], cholora [sic], typhoid, all epidemic diseases" and has "17" written at the bottom centre of the label.
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 is that of Devi Sanni, the only female among the demons. The word devi means goddess.
Iconographic Meaning
Yellow colour of face may be associated with benevolent demons, or with royalty.
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
- Eh33
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- cotton fibre ?, wood, plant fibre and paint
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved and painted
- Overall
- height 17.7 cm, width 12.3 cm, depth 7.0 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
- 0704/0032
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