Mask

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.

exorcism

Symbolizes the demon that causes tooth aches and abscesses? yellow usually symbolizes disease demons which represent diseases which manifest themselves by this colour on the face.

Mask representing a sanni figure. Painted dark yellow-brown overall with red lips and around the bulging eyes. Black stippling around the mouth where the front incisors are missing. Arched eyebrows and furrowed brow. A strip of fabric has been tied through two holes either side of the mask. Label on reverse reads "Datha Sanni".