disease devil mask

Sinhalese art

Also known as: rākasa

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

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In Sinhalese art, "disease devil masks," known as sanni yakku, are a significant part of tovil healing ceremonies. These masks are used in rituals to appease demons and deities believed to cause illness, misfortune, or dementia. The masks themselves are often ferociously depicted with fanged mouths and fiendish eyes, sometimes featuring articulating jaws and a dragonlike appearance.12

During tovil ceremonies, dancers wear these masks, which represent various demons. The chief exorcist then interacts with the demon embodied by the mask, questioning, threatening, or bribing it until it leaves the patient, thereby healing them. The sanni yakku dance includes humorous impersonations and is a vital part of Sinhalese traditional healing practices, rooted in pre-Buddhist beliefs.1

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Therapeutic uses
…Sri Lanka, where 19 distinct sickness demon masks have been devised. These masks are of ferocious aspect, fanged, and with fiendish eyes. Gaudily coloured and sometimes having articulating jaws, they present a dragonlike appearance.
Read More
…Sri Lanka, where 19 distinct sickness demon masks have been devised. These masks are of ferocious aspect, fanged, and with fiendish eyes. Gaudily coloured and sometimes having articulating jaws, they present a dragonlike appearance.
Read More