Mask Item Number: Eh95 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Mask depicting a humanoid face painted with glossy enamel in a medium yellow with orange, red, black, white and green lines decorating the face. There are crescent-shaped slits under each eye. Ears painted same colours as face, also decorated with lines. The beard and sideburns are of grey wool. Two upper teeth are loosely attached to the upper lip, and a hinged lower jaw is made of wire covered in red fabric. A label on the reverse reads, "Tabele Paliya."

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 probably Tabele Paliya, who comes at the end of the ceremony.

Cultural Context

exorcism

Iconographic Meaning

Yellow face colour is used for demons causing disease; red mouth signifies a demon. Tabele refers to 'king coconut' which is a food with medicinal properties, therefore Tabele Paliya may be associated with medicinal 'blessing'.

Item History

What

Name
Mask
Identification Number
Eh95
Type of Item
mask
Material
wool fibre, wood, paint and cotton fibre ?
Manufacturing Technique
carved and painted
Overall
height 39.8 cm, width 20.4 cm, depth 9.4 cm

Who

Culture
Sinhalese
Previous Owner
Jason Schoonover
Received from
Jason Schoonover (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Sri Lanka

When

Collection Date
during 1978
Ownership Date
before June 10, 1982
Acquisition Date
on June 10, 1982

Other

Condition
fair
Accession Number
0812/0011