Demon Mask "Maha-kola Sanni Yaka"

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Curing mask or Demon mask, 19th century
Asia, Sri Lanka
Painted wood

Donor unrecorded, pre 1902
Museum no. 9999-1557

This mask represents the sickness demon Kola-sanniya and his 18 servants or yakku. According to Sri Lankan belief, illness is caused by demons. Such masks were used in ritual ceremonies to pacify the demons and restore the patient to health.