Mask Item Number: Eh138 a-c from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Mask with head (part a) with an overall elongated oval shape with a grinning mouth that has thick dark red lips which reveal pointed teeth and curved fangs, a bulbous nose with large nostril holes, protruding eyes, eye sockets decorated with radiating lines, eyebrows formed from domed black shapes with yellow spiral decoration. The headdress is formed from five dark yellow spade-shaped protrusions with black and yellow line decoration surmounted by a domed segment and finial that are dark red with black, grey-green and yellow vertical stripes. The disc-shaped earpieces with a lotus design (b and c) fit into the head via mortise and tenon joints.
History Of Use
May be used in the secular Kolam performances or in Sanni healing exorcisms
Cultural Context
ritual
Iconographic Meaning
Maru Raksa, demon of death. Characteristics specific to this demon are a black face, long teeth, lotus ears, crown with lines, usually carved, indicating flames. Characteristics shared with some other demon groups are protruding eyes, human-like nose, and ear ornaments imitating Dravidian gold adornments. Colour symbolism includes: black for malevolence ; red for soreness; blue for iron; yellow for gold and brass.
Item History
- Made in Sri Lanka before 1983
- Owned by Sotheby's before November 1, 1983
- Received from Walter C. Koerner (Funding source) and Sotheby's (Seller) on November 1, 1983
What
Who
- Culture
- Sinhalese
- Previous Owner
- Sotheby's
- Received from
- Walter C. Koerner (Funding source) and Sotheby's (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Sri Lanka
When
- Creation Date
- before 1983
- Ownership Date
- before November 1, 1983
- Acquisition Date
- on November 1, 1983
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 107
- Accession Number
- 0900/0003 a-c