balinese cultural masks
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Wood mask, ‘Princess Dream’
Posted by Novica on 11 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: balinese cultural masks, home decor, masks, novica
Closing her eyes, a beautiful woman drifts off to blissful dreams. Nyoman Naranata sculpts her serene features from Balinese hibiscus wood, enticing realistic contours from his richly-grained medium. Crowned by a floral headdress, she represents a young princess.
Wood mask, ‘Two Dimensions’
Posted by Novica on 06 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: balinese cultural masks, home decor, masks, novica
Made Tresna masterfully symbolizes life’s ups and downs in this mask. Always searching for innovation, Tresna designs the mask to portray happiness and sadness as part of the same continuum. Tresna observes there are always two sides to everything in life. He carves the mask from hibiscus wood with such detail the result is a highly expressive piece.
Wood mask, ‘Dalem Bedaulu’
Posted by Novica on 26 Sep 2008 | Tagged as: balinese cultural masks, home decor, masks, novica
Boar-like details characterize this mask by Nyoman Subrata, as the curved tusks emerge from the mouth and nose, representing the ancient form of Dalem Bedaulu, the legendary, pig-headed Balinese king. Carved by hand from local suar wood, every intricate detail reflects the artisan’s passion for the themes of his native culture. A worthy addition to the home collection. In 1343 the mighty Majapahit Empire of east Java, led by the legendary Gajah Mada, invaded Bali. The Balinese King, Dalem Bedaulu, put up such stubborn resistance that the Majapahits nicknamed him “Pighead.” They insultingly invented tall tales of him actually having a pig’s head and how he had earned it. However, they also inscribed magic power to him, recognition of his skills, and strength as a warrior-king. Eventually, the Majapahit emerged victorious and established Hindu rule in Bali, and the “Pighead” stories of Dalem Bedaulu persist to this day.
‘Goddess Cili,’ mask
Posted by Novica on 11 Sep 2008 | Tagged as: balinese cultural masks, home decor, masks, novica
Revered as the goddess of fertility, Cili or ‘Ibu Pertiwi’ is also known as Mother Earth in Bali, for she is associated with the rice harvest - the main sustenance of the Balinese who believe Cili will ensure a bountiful harvest. In this awe-inspiring albesia wood carving by Ketut Widana, Cili’s chiseled features and downcast glance afford a noble serenity to her countenance, emphasized by gold leaf accents to complement her beauty.
Wood mask, ‘Man from Lombok in Orange’
Posted by Novica on 08 Sep 2008 | Tagged as: balinese cultural masks, home decor, masks, novica
This imposing personage is carved in the style of Lombok, an island east of Bali. Painted by hand, the face wears black and white teardrop on the forehead and emerald green cheeks. Wayan Rita gives the mask a crackled texture that heightens its sense of mystery.
Wood mask, ‘Storyteller’
Posted by Novica on 02 May 2008 | Tagged as: balinese cultural masks, home decor, masks, novica
Mijil the storyteller is personified in an impressive hibiscus wood mask by Nyoman Naranata. Mijil is a character in the Arja or drama dance; his role is to provide the prologue to the ensuing performance. The dance includes regional folklore, singing, and comedy. The characters speak a special language associated with the Balinese high caste and it is then translated for the audience through the amusing antics of clowns. The stories are inspired by classical romances set in the ancient kingdom of East Java.
Wood mask, ‘Dolphin Goddess’
Posted by Novica on 01 May 2008 | Tagged as: balinese cultural masks, home decor, masks, novica
Serene and mysterious, this mask of a woman surrounded by dolphins is a graceful testimony of Balinese artistry. Nyoman Naranata hand-carves the piece with careful attention to detail, ensuring the grain of the hibiscus wood accents the facial features. The result is a remarkably expressive piece. Please note the wood’s grain may vary.
Wood mask, ‘Lion Spirit’
Posted by Novica on 29 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: balinese cultural masks, home decor, masks, novica
Dramatically eerie eyes stare in fervent intensity, delving into the deep secrets of the soul. His mouth curved into a compelling smile, the singa (”lion”) is a forceful presence. Oka Pastika and Ketut Mustika carve the elaborate detail from acacia wood, skillfully executing each hair and whisker of his expressive face.
Wood mask, ‘Nature Goddess’
Posted by Novica on 28 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: balinese cultural masks, home decor, masks, novica
Smiling with sweet tranquility, this mask reveres nature’s glory. The face of a woman enlivens the mask, her features detailed with delicate artistry. Her hair is transformed into a nest inhabited by a mystic bird. A single, radiant flower adorns it. Nyoman Naranata hand-carves this mask from local hibiscus wood; its intriguing grain adds to the ephemeral allure of this piece. Please not the wood’s grain may vary.
Wood mask, ‘Green Janger Dancer’
Posted by Novica on 28 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: balinese cultural masks, home decor, masks, novica
A Janger dancer appears with serenity in her eyes, her image forever immortalized in albesia wood by Wayan Gandung. Her elaborate headdress is adorned with golden accents that highlight the ephemeral beauty of the performer. The Janger dance first appeared in the 1920’s and became hugely popular for it permitted men and women to perform together. Soon every village had their own group of ten to twelve young men and women to perform it. The young women sit swaying and singing sweetly while the men, also seated, perform aggressive kecak chants and movements. Performers then stand up and execute creative routines, such as posing and reciting ancient poetry.