Mask

Item number Eh138 a-c from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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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