Ancient Artifacts & Antiquities, May

*******Mid-Century Gara Yakka Mask from Sri Lanka - Mid-Century or Older

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Start price: $10

Estimated price: $10 - $10,000

Buyer's premium:

Mid-Century Gara Yakka Mask from Sri Lanka. Excellent condition for its age. The Gara Yakka mask is a traditional mask from Sri Lanka, used primarily in rituals to exorcise evil spirits and protect against negative influences. Measures approximately 8 1/4" by 6". Consisting of two sections – The jaw is moveable but was wired shut long ago. It has slots for two ears with both ears present. Excellent condition with the minor faults that come with age. The collection this mask is from was acquired midcentury so the mask in this lot is at least that old but may be much older. There are many different masks that have been made in Sri Lanka for generations and every mask maker seemed to have their own versions that follow along the stories lines of their beliefs. The name we gave to this mask is our best guess but it could fall under any of the following types of masks made in Sri Lanka – Kolam, Maha Kola, Makara Mask, Sanni, Garuda or Raksha Mask. From the life time collection of Chuck and Eileen Hoffman. Chuck and his wife spent most of their lives teaching in various countries bringing back interesting and often old pieces from the cultures they shared their lives with.

Condition: Authentic