Mask Item Number: Eh90 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Mask depicting Hatababura Sanniya with a dark pink elongated face, black painted hair and eyebrows, small, close-set bulging eyes with red around the rims, a long nose, and a mouth with open red lips revealing two rows of upper and lower teeth. There are also crescent-shaped holes under the eyes. Label on reverse side of mask reads "Hatababura Sanni" written in blue ink.
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 Hatababura Sanni and is associated with colds.
Iconographic Meaning
The colour of the face and the red outlining of the mouth indicate this mask is of a demon appearing on earth. The red outlining of the eyes indicates eye soreness.
Cultural Context
exorcism
Item History
- Made in Sri Lanka before 1978
- 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
- Creation Date
- before 1978
- 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
- 0812/0006