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Sanni Masks
Sanni masks personify the characters of common ailments in society. These masks are used in the ritual Sanni Yakuma.
Amukku SanniyaSymbolises stomach pain and vomiting. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. | Bheetha SanniyaSymbolises temporary unconsciousness, dementia and fear of the unknown. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. |
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Demala SanniyaHallucinations and bad dreams. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. | Golu SanniyaSymbolises temporary dumbness. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. |
Pissu SanniyaSymbolises temporary madness. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. | Bihiri SanniyaSymbolises temporary deafness. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. |
Kana SanniyaSymbolises temporary blindness. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. | Ginijal SanniyaSymbolises body-heat and burning sensations. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. |
Bhootha SanniyaSymbolises temporary madness. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. | Selesma SanniyaSymbolises unbearable headache, tension. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. |
Maru SanniyaSymbolises fear of death. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. | Pith SanniyaSymbolises diseases related to bile. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. |
Kora SanniyaSymbolises lameness and swollen joints. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. | Nāga SanniyaSymbolises poison in the body, blisters and swellings. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. |
Jala SanniyaSymbolises unbearable cold and shivering. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. | Deva SanniyaSymbolises epidemics such as measles, mumps, small pox, diarrhoea, typhoid fever and cholera. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. |
Vātha SanniyaSymbolises paralysis and illnesses caused by imbalance in the air-element. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. | Kōla SanniyaRepresents all other Sanni. Source: Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka. |
Mahā Kōla Sanniya
Chieftain of Daha-ata Sanni (18 sanni)
Source: Mahā kōla Sanniya (National Museum Colombo)
Source: Mahā Kōla Sanniya (Ariyapala Mask museum, Ambalangoda)
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