balinese theatrical masks
Archived Posts from this Category
Wood mask, ‘Lion Hero’
Posted by Novica on 17 Nov 2008 | Tagged as: balinese theatrical masks, home decor, masks, novica
One of the Ramayana’s great mystical heroes, Sempati is the lion who pledges allegiance to Rama. He is instrumental in rescuing Sita from the evil Rahwana. Nyoman Setiawan invokes the presence of the brave hero through his art, creating an admirable pule wood mask.
Wood mask, ‘Anger’
Posted by Novica on 21 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: balinese theatrical masks, home decor, masks, novica
Brow creasing into an angered frown, this bondres mask is intended to represent the human element in Balinese drama. Bondres characters appear towards the end of a performance of a dramatic tale. Nyoman Naranata carves the mask by hand from hibiscus wood with an impressive care for detail.
Wood mask, ‘Monkey Tales’
Posted by Novica on 08 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: balinese theatrical masks, home decor, masks, novica
This mystical monkey enthralls audiences with its silly antics. A friendly character, its role is to provide light entertainment during the dramatic performance the Calonarang dance. Nyoman Setiawan hand-carves the mask from pule wood and paints traditional patterns with acrylic paints. Its mane is made of horsehair. Calonarang relates the story of Rangda, mother of Erlangga, King of Bali in the Tenth century, who was condemned for practicing black magic. After she became a widow, she summoned all the evil spirits in the jungle, the leaks and the demons, to come after Erlangga. There was a battle, but she and her black magic troops were so strong that Erlangga had to ask for the help of Barong. Rangda cast a spell that made Erlangga’s soldiers want to kill themselves, pointing their poisoned keris (arrows) into their own bodies. But, countering that move, Barong cast a spell that made their bodies resistant to the sharp weapons. At the end, Barong the good, defeats the evil Rangda, who runs away. Today, the masks of Barong and Rangda are still considered sacred items, and before they are brought out for the actual dance, a priest must bless them with holy water.
‘Scream,’ mask
Posted by Novica on 06 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: balinese theatrical masks, home decor, masks, novica
Elongated lips exaggerate the expression of this unusual mask by Nyoman Naranata. The low forehead and rounded cheeks confer a childlike sense, but smooth contours defy age. Carved of hibiscus wood, this enigmatic work is representative of Balinese artistry.
Wood and copper mask, ‘Royal Dancer’
Posted by Novica on 03 Sep 2008 | Tagged as: balinese theatrical masks, home decor, masks, novica
Gracious and graceful, this mask represents a member of the royal family. Golden color embellishes her serene features. Such pieces are typical of ancient Javanese dance drama. Carved by hand, this piece by Nenny Lukhita is finished with lacquer. It stands on an iron rod on a mahogany base.
Wood mask, ‘Classic Clown’
Posted by Novica on 29 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: balinese theatrical masks, home decor, masks, novica
Nyoman Naranata sculpts a grinning portrait of Bondres. The much-loved clown in Balinese dance-drama, Bondres usually appears at the end of the performance to add a touch of comedy. The personage has even spawned a drama form of his own, known as Babondresan, to provide light entertainment.
Wood mask, ‘Big Yawn’
Posted by Novica on 29 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: balinese theatrical masks, home decor, masks, novica
Although he tries, he simply cannot stifle the enormous yawn that rises from within. He closes his eyes and opens mouth wide as sleep threatens to overtake the handsome personage. Nyoman Naranata portrays the man as a hibiscus wood mask.
Wood mask, ‘Big Nose’
Posted by Novica on 28 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: balinese theatrical masks, home decor, masks, novica
Nyoman Naranata carves the mask of an ordinary man whose salient characteristic is its rather long nose. This mask is intended to represent an ordinary fellow that brings comedic relief at the end of a dramatic performance. Carved by hand of hibiscus wood, this bondres is a welcomed sight during danced performances.
Wood mask, ‘Man of Fire’
Posted by Novica on 24 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: balinese theatrical masks, home decor, masks, novica
Crowned in dancing flames, this enigmatic mask portrays a man of fire. Nyoman Naranata meticulously sculpts the elegant mask from Balinese hibiscus wood.
Wood mask, ‘Enigmatic Dog’
Posted by Novica on 23 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: balinese theatrical masks, home decor, masks, novica
Panting and wagging, a dog becomes a Balinese theater mask of unusual beauty. It announces the arrival of midnight during the performance of the Calonarang dance. The dance relates the story of Rangda. Mother of Erlangga, King of Bali in the 10th century, she was condemned for practicing black magic. After she became a widow, she summoned evil spirits to come after Erlangga. A dramatic battle ensued, but good eventually prevailed. Nyoman Setiawan sculpts the mask from pule wood and paints the traditional patterns by hand. Its mane is made from horsehair.