Demon mask

Description

Mask used in the Sinhalese mask play Yakun-Natanava, made of Kaduru wood painted yellow with bruised and distorted features, the front elaborately worked while the back is left crudely finished, representing a Sanni demon and used in mask dances to avert or exorcise disease: Sri Lanka

Museum reference

A.1905.82.7

Collection

World Culture

Object name

Demon mask

Production information

Sri Lanka, South Asia

Style / Culture

Sinhalese

Materials

Wood, Lacquer

Physical description

Kaduru wood painted yellow, with bruised and distorted features; protective lacquer surface

Exhibitions

• Treasured: Wonderful Things, Amazing Stories (14 Nov 2008 - 01 Jan 2011)
  National Museum of Scotland

References

Hoepfner, Gerd, Masken aus Ceylon, Berlin, 1969