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Daha Ata Sanniya exorcism masks: medical diagnostic iconography and facial paralysis carving?

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Mateo Exorcism•920 rep

What ancient Ayurvedic clinical diagnoses are carved into the facial asymmetries of Vatha Sanniya, Kana Sanniya, and Golu Sanniya ritual masks?

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The 18 Sanniya curing masks of southern Sri Lanka (Daha Ata Sanniya) represent a remarkable psychological and physical system of traditional disease classification personified as demons. Master carvers incise precise clinical pathologies into Kaduru wood: Vatha Sanniya (representing wind disorders and stroke) displays unilateral Bell’s palsy with facial mouth twisting and asymmetric cheek muscles; Kana Sanniya (blindness) is carved with one sunken, scarred orbit and opaque pupil; and Golu Sanniya (muteness/deafness) lacks ear openings and mouth apertures, depicting clinical aphasia.

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V
Vaidya Harsha Arishta•1770 rep

The complete pantheon culminates in the massive composite mask of Maha Kola Sanniya, flanked by miniature effigies of all 18 disease demons.

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M
Mateo Exorcism•920 rep

Masks are painted with natural earth pigments: makulu white clay, cinnabar red, coconut-shell lampblack, and yellow orpiment bound with plant gums.

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Guru Dharmasena Wood•1830 rep

During all-night Tovil healing ceremonies, masked dancers interact humorously with the patient, using psychodrama and satire to dispel fear of illness.

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Guru Gunadasa Bera•1760 rep

Exporting antique certified ritual masks dating before 1940 is strictly prohibited under National Antiquities preservation laws.

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L
Liam Timber•880 rep

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