Mask Item Number: Eh86 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Mask depicting Bita Sanniya (?): a humanoid face with bulging red-rimmed eyes, a short nose with a curved bridge, grimacing red lips with crooked white teeth, two red curved lines on either side of the mouth, brown plant fibre tufts on the brow as well as the upper lip, and strands of black hair on the chin. There is a strip of white fabric strung through two holes in the sides of the mask. A label on the reverse reads, "Bita Sanni" handwritten in blue pen.
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 represents Bita Sanni, a demon causing fear and anxiety.
Iconographic Meaning
Represents a demon of fear or anxiety
Cultural Context
exorcism
Item History
- Made in Sri Lanka
- Collected during 1978
- Owned by Jason Schoonover before June 10, 1982
- Received from Jason Schoonover (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) on June 10, 1982
What
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
- Current Location
- Case 107
- Accession Number
- 0812/0002