Selesma Sanniya Mask

Selesma Sanniya Mask is a striking representation from Sri Lankas traditional Sanni Yakuma ritual, symbolizing Phlegm and epilepsy. The bright yellow face with exaggerated red lines emphasizes congestion and imbalance, while the bulging eyes reflect restlessness and disturbed health. The wide, toothy grin and distorted mouth suggest involuntary movements and convulsions linked to epilepsy. The bold colors (yellow for phlegm and red for agitation) symbolize the combined physical and mental distress caused by these conditions. Selesma Sanniya Mask is used for its purpose of healing and blessing through a performance in which 18 kinds of maladies, inflicted by devils, are purged from the human body.

• 1950s-1960s era Sir Lankan, culturally used wooden masks.
• A character of the 18 Sanni masks group.
• A polychrome wooden disease mask used for healing rituals.
• Masks play important roles in religious, healing and exorcism rituals.