Mask Item Number: Eh122 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Mask representing a monkey painted red overall with yellow, white, and black eyebrows, protruding eyes with a crescent-shaped slit under each, a flat low relief nose, twelve upper white teeth, no lower jaw. Remnants of plant fibre attached to nails in tufts along the forehead and upper jaw.
History Of Use
Used in ceremony of healing during dances involving petitioning of supernatural spirits to achieve benefits for the patient. It is believed that afflictions and diseases are caused by these spirits, or demons, and that cures may be effected by ritual specialists
Iconographic Meaning
Red colouring is representative of bloodthirsty men and also of a demon, known as Riri Yakka, associated with fevers and stomach pain, and injuries causing a flow of blood.
Cultural Context
ritual exorcism
Item History
- Made in Sri Lanka before 1983
- Owned by Jeena Jewels
- Owned by Jason Schoonover before June 21, 1984
- Received from Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Jason Schoonover (Seller) on June 21, 1984
What
Who
- Culture
- Sinhalese
- Previous Owner
- Jeena Jewels and 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 1983
- Ownership Date
- before June 21, 1984
- Acquisition Date
- on June 21, 1984
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 106
- Accession Number
- 0972/0012