Mask Item Number: Eh37 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Mask depicting Kora Sanniya (who represents lameness) with a distorted humanoid face that has crooked eyes, a curving nose, and a crooked mouth. The eyebrows and moustache are black, the eyes are bulging with a crescent-shaped slit under each, the lips and tongue are red, and the teeth are white bordered by black. A strand of twine is tied to one of two holes at the sides of the mask. A label on the reverse reads, "KORA SANNI: Lameness," in typewritten characters and "22" handwritten in blue ink. Another label underneath the top label reads, "Kora."
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.
Cultural Context
exorcism
Iconographic Meaning
Affliction of lameness is symbolized by the twisted face, depicting the paralysis caused by a stroke.
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
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
- Current Location
- Case 107
- Accession Number
- 0704/0036