Question 1

What illness is Maru Sanniya associated with?

Accepted Answer

Maru Sanniya is the demon deity associated with fatal or near-fatal afflictions, particularly severe eye disorders, convulsions, and contortions of the body. In the Sanni Yakuma ritual tradition, the Maru Sanniya mask is used by a priest to confront and expel this spirit from a patient.

Question 2

What is the Sanni Yakuma ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Sanni Yakuma is a traditional Sri Lankan healing ritual in which a trained exorcist-priest (yakadura) wears a series of eighteen demon masks and enacts a ceremonial confrontation with each demon to purge it from an afflicted person. The ceremony involves chanting, drumming, fire, and offerings, and typically takes place over one or more nights.

Question 3

How many Sanni masks are there in the full set?

Accepted Answer

The complete set is known as the Daha-Ata Sanniya, meaning the Eighteen Sanniya. Each mask corresponds to a specific demon and its associated ailment, ranging from rheumatic conditions and nausea to mental disturbance and, in the case of Maru Sanniya, mortal eye and convulsive afflictions.

Question 4

Where are traditional Sanni masks made in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The main centre for Sanni mask carving is Ambalangoda, a coastal town in the Galle district of Sri Lanka's Southern Province. The area has generations of hereditary carvers, and several workshops and a dedicated mask museum are open to visitors.

Question 5

What wood is used to carve Sanni Yakuma masks?

Accepted Answer

Traditional Sanni masks are most commonly carved from kaduru wood, a lightweight timber that is easy to work and holds painted detail well. Authentic ritual masks are finished with natural pigments, while decorative pieces may use synthetic paints.

Question 6

Is the Maru Sanniya mask used in ceremonies today?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Sanni Yakuma ritual is still practised in parts of Sri Lanka, particularly in the Southern and Western provinces, though it is less common than it was a century ago. Alongside ceremonial use, masks are also produced as collectibles and decorative objects for cultural heritage reasons.

Question 7

What should I look for when buying a Sanni mask in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Look for layered, hand-applied pigment rather than flat synthetic paint, consistent carving depth, and a seller or carver who can explain the iconography of the specific demon depicted. Purchasing from a workshop in Ambalangoda or a reputable retailer helps ensure cultural accuracy and fair compensation to the maker.

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