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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'.

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.