"Sanni Yakuma" is a traditional Sinhalese exorcism ritual deeply rooted in Sri Lanka's ancient shamanic traditions. This elaborate ceremony is renowned for its mesmerizing masked dances, each mask vividly depicting a specific ailment or disease. The term "Sanni Yakuma" itself combines "sanniya," meaning disease, and "yakuma," denoting a demon ritual.

At the heart of this ritual are 18 distinct masks, each representing a different malady. However, there is one mask that stands out—the "Makahola." (මහාකෝල ) This mask is a powerful amalgamation of all 18 ailments, symbolizing the "greater ailment." The Makahola mask serves as a profound inspiration for this artwork, embodying the essence of the ritual and the ancient wisdom it conveys.

Mahakola by Nuwan Shilpa Hennayake
7200 x 9000 | 300dpi | .jpg