Mask
Item number Eh3 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
Public
RRN ID
Item Records
This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.
The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.
These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.
- Data
- Data Source
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 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
- Name
- Mask
- Identification Number
- Eh3
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- paint and wood
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved and painted
- Overall
- height 19.0 cm, width 18.0 cm, depth 14.0 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
- poor
- Accession Number
- 0704/0002
Ask a question
Let the RRN community answer your questions
Public
With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account
Shared Knowledge
Share your knowlege of this item with the RRN community
Public
With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account
Similar Items
