Mask Item Number: Eh3 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Mask with a zoomorphic face most likely depicting Riri Yakka (the demon of blood) with a small forehead, as well as close-set bulging eyeballs with large black irises separated by a small knobby protuberance, and with a small crescent-shaped hole beneath each eyeball. The nose extends along the muzzle with flaring nostrils. The snout has gaping jaws revealing two fangs, pointed teeth and a small protruding tongue. The face, lips, and tongue are red, and the teeth are white. A paper label on the reverse reads, "(Probably) RIRI YAKKA: Most dreadful of all. Demon of blood," and has an encircled "5" written in blue ink.
History Of Use
Character represented is Riri Yakka, the blood demon who, it is held, haunts deathbeds and causes illnesses including fever, ague, and chest and stomach pains, among others. The mask is used during healing ceremonies which include dance, song, and mime. Their purpose is to propitiate the demon with offerings and to induce it to leave the patient
Iconographic Meaning
Red face, fangs, broad open mouth, and protruding eyes are typical of representations of 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
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
- poor
- Accession Number
- 0704/0002