11156 Pieter Willem Marinus Trap – Sinhalese demon figure and eighteen disease masks – Lithograph (1893)
This lithograph presents a detailed ethnographic study of a Sinhalese ritual figure surrounded by eighteen distinct masks. The central figure, associated with healing and exorcism ceremonies in Sri Lanka, is depicted in outline with a wide, tusked mouth and circular eyes. Flanking the torso are two vertical rows of vibrant, polychrome masks, each representing a specific demon or malady, such as deafness, fever, or blindness. These masks are utilized in the Sanni Yakuma ritual to appease the spirits responsible for various illnesses. The work is a specialized plate from the Internationales Archiv für Ethnographie, printed in Leiden by P.W.M. Trap. It represents a significant nineteenth century effort to systematically document the material culture and spiritual iconography of South Asia.
Pieter Willem Marinus Trap was a Dutch lithographer and publisher who established a prominent firm in Leiden. He became a leading figure in scientific and academic printing, particularly noted for his work in the fields of ethnography, natural history, and medicine. His company was instrumental in producing high quality plates for scholarly journals, where technical precision was required to convey the intricate details of artifacts and specimens. Trap was highly regarded for his mastery of chromolithography, which allowed for the nuanced reproduction of color essential for ethnographic studies. His contributions helped define the visual standards for academic publishing in the Netherlands during the late nineteenth century.
Artist or Maker: Pieter Willem Marinus Trap.
Dimensions: Approximately 31 cm x 44 cm.
Medium: Lithograph.
Date: 1893.
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Estimate | 200 - 300 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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