DepartmentAsia
Sanni Mask in the form of Naga Raksha (Snake Demon)
NameSanni Mask
Artist
Artist not recorded
CultureSri Lankan
DateLate 20th century
Place madeSRI LANKA, Asia
MediumWood, paint
DimensionsMask, Alone: 13 1/2 × 10 × 8 in. (34.2901 × 25.4001 × 20.32 cm)
Ear, Each: 11 3/4 × 11 × 1 1/4 in. (29.8451 × 27.9401 × 3.175 cm)
Ear, Each: 11 3/4 × 11 × 1 1/4 in. (29.8451 × 27.9401 × 3.175 cm)
Credit LineBequest from the Estates of Anne Ruggles Bromberg and Alan Robert Bromberg
Object numberA.2025.2.10a-c
Collections
ProvenanceCollection of Anne R. Bromberg
DescriptionA mask of carved wood and painted depicting Naga Raksha or Snake Demon. The face of the mask is mostly green and red, while the "ears" are mostly gold colored. A Sri Lanka Naga Raksha mask, also known as a snake demon, or cobra mask, is a wooden mask that depicts a demon with a ferocious face and sharp teeth. The mask is often used in festivals and cultural dances and is believed to protect against evil spirits and bring blessings to the community.
This mask would be used for excorcism, to rid a victim of a disease or ailment associated with a particular demon cause
Late 19th -mid 20th century
