Mask
Item number Eh42 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
Item number Eh42 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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Mask likely depicting Slesma Sanniya (which represents epileptic fits, or phlegmatic diseases). The face is painted black with an undercoat of green and has thick arched brows with red diamond-shaped lozenge between them at the top of the head. The mask also has a wide, short nose with flaring nostrils, bulging round eyes with red rims as well as crescent-shaped holes under each, a grinning mouth with wide red lips, four square upper teeth and no lower ones. There are holes on either side at temples, with red twine running through one and woven hemp ? through the other. Reverse has a typewritten label that reads, "SLESMA SANNI: epliepsy," below which is written "29."
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. Slesma Sanni, represented here, is responsible for phlegm and fainting spells.
exorcism
Black face is appropriate for a demon
This data has been provided to the RRN by the MOA: University of British Columbia. We've used it to provide the information on the Data tab.
exorcism
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. Slesma Sanni, represented here, is responsible for phlegm and fainting spells.
Black face is appropriate for a demon
Mask likely depicting Slesma Sanniya (which represents epileptic fits, or phlegmatic diseases). The face is painted black with an undercoat of green and has thick arched brows with red diamond-shaped lozenge between them at the top of the head. The mask also has a wide, short nose with flaring nostrils, bulging round eyes with red rims as well as crescent-shaped holes under each, a grinning mouth with wide red lips, four square upper teeth and no lower ones. There are holes on either side at temples, with red twine running through one and woven hemp ? through the other. Reverse has a typewritten label that reads, "SLESMA SANNI: epliepsy," below which is written "29."
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