Mask, of demon's face

This mask of a demon's face was made in Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka) in the 19th century. Made of Kaduru wood and painted in bright colours, it was worn during ritual dances.

The front of the mask is elaborately worked, with circular ear-pieces and three cobra heads. The back is left crudely finished. Although the eyes are fully carved they remain solid, the tiny slits below the only openings that allowed the actor any vision. The protruding eyes depict a great demon and the mouth is open with large teeth and fangs. Painted black, white, red, yellow and green, the surface is protected with lacquer.

This mask was used in a Sinhalese mask play and was worn for ritual dances to ban the demons of disease. The red and black colouring of the mask indicate that the intended character is a bloodthirsty Sanni (disease) demon that caused disease and trembling.

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