Antique Sri Lanka Naga Sanni Raksha Mask 19Th/Early 20c Ritual Performance Mask For Sale

Authentic Antique Sri Lankan Naga / Gara Raksha Ritual Dance Mask

Estimated Era: Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century

Origin: Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Material: Hand-carved lightweight Kaduru wood, organic cordage, natural matte pigments.

Up for sale is a highly compelling, authentic piece of ethnographic tribal art: a traditional hand-carved Sri Lankan Raksha (Demon) mask. Unlike common glossy tourist replicas produced for the export market in recent decades, this piece exhibits all the hallmarks of a true ritual-used performance mask utilized in traditional Tovil (devil dancing) healing ceremonies.

Key Features & Collector Provenance:

• Authentic Performance Padding: The interior crown of the mask retains its original, fragile red fabric forehead cushion. This padding was hand-stitched/pinned inside to protect the dancer’s face during rigorous ceremonial dances. The fabric shows natural organic fraying, thread degradation, and age-related
• wear confirming field use.

• Traditional Craftsmanship & Pigments: The mask is hand-carved from ultra-lightweight Kaduru wood. The surface features completely flat, matte mineral/plant-based pigments that have aged into a beautiful, deep patina over the decades. The reverse side bears crude, authentic hand-chisel gouges from its original creation.

• Organic Assembly: The large circular ears are attached using ancient, age-darkened organic fiber cordage.

• As shown in the detailed close-up photos, the side tusks have been structurally re-attached using adhesive. In the world of tribal art collecting, this is recognized as a common \"field repair.\" Because these performance masks are carved from extremely soft, lightweight wood and subjected to intense movement, protrusions frequently broke and were repaired by the community or handlers.

• The painted surface shows honest flaking, minor chips, and a dry wood patina consistent with significant age and handling.

• The internal red cloth padding is very fragile and crumbling due to natural age; it should be handled with