A fine Sri Lankan Sanni mask. Ceylon, late 19th century.

Carved and painted wood. Old collection labels to the reverse, as well as an inscribed collector monogram "LJL" and a branded monogram, also "LJL" (see photos).

Expressively carved and depicted face with bulging eyes and a crooked mouth with teeth exposed. Masks such as this traditional Sinhalese example are part of a series of character masks depicting different diseases and ailments, to be cured through ritual and dance. Known as Sanni masks, this particular mask may be a Amuku Sanni Yakka mask.

HEIGHT - 8 1/2" (21.5 cm)

WIDTH - 7 1/4" (18.5 cm)

PROVENANCE: Unknown early 20th century collector "LJL".

NOTES / REFERENCES: Sri Lanka has a rich culture of theatre called kolam and exorcism called tovil, which make use of actors, exorcists, masks, music, and dance. The Sanni Yakuma is the best known exorcism ritual, in which numerous sanni (disease) demons are portrayed by exorcists wearing elaborate masks.

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Excellent condition with some wear and crazing to the painted surfaces. Interior surfaces with a darkened aged patina to the unpainted wood. Labels yellowed, fragmented, taped. Stand not included.