Mask

Mask is one of the apparitions of the demon, Maha-kola-sanni, yaka responsible for a wide variety of afflictions. Demons are thought to be capable of causing particular illnesses. In order to cure these diseases, a healer or exorcist directs a ritual ceremony which seeks to propitiate the demons with offerings and encourages the demon to leave the patient.

exorcism

Mask possibly depicting Sem Sanniya (who represents phlegm) with a grey-brown face, thick black eyebrows, protruding oval-shaped eyes that each have a crescent-shaped hole under them, a wide nose, simplified ears that curve inwards at the centre, red lips with black borders, and white teeth. An off-white cotton string is tied through holes in the ears. A label on the reverse reads, "(Possibly) SEM SANNI: Phlegm," in typewritten letters, and "31" in black ink.