Topeng Masks from Bali, Indonesia
Topeng is a masked dance where one performer portrays several different characters including Topeng Dalem (the refined king), Topeng Keras (a minister), Topeng Tua (an elder statesman) among others. Topeng traces its roots to India and Java, and communicates history, philosophy, moral standards and government messages to its audience. The following masks are from my personal collection, acquired from 1999-present, and are not for sale.
Mask maker and dancer Ida Bagus Anom’s residence in Bali
June 5, 1999
Anom demonstrating the different stages of mask making
L-R: different stages of carving prior to painting & finish work
Ida Bagus Anom describing the different masks characters; display is of masks that were for sale
June 5, 1999
Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
A mask similar to this one was acquired years later & is shown below
Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
“Subali” – Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
“Bedaulu, The Pig Headed King” – Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
Dalam Bedaulu, King of Bali during the Majapahit kingdom (1275-1527) possessed the ability to meditate so deeply he could separate his head from the rest of his body. One day while doing so the uncooperative head rolled into a stream where a pig was being slaughtered a few miles away. Following the head’s return to his body, Bedaulu became know as “The Pig-Headed King” because of his stubbornness. This mask is also shown below prior to purchase, top row, 6th from left.
“Happy” – the same character was featured in the 1990 National Geographic Special
“Bali, Masterpiece of the Gods” – June 5, 1999
Anom modeling “Happy”
“Happy” – Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
“Drama – Happy (rotate 180º for Sad)” – Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
“Drama – Sad (rotate 180º for Happy)” – Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
Artist: Ida Bagus Anom (dated: 5 October 2016)
Mas, Ubud, Bali
Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
“Yawning” – Artist: Ida Bagus Anom
Mas, Ubud, Bali
“Topeng Tua” – Artist: Unknown
Used during the introductory set of dances, Topeng Tua is a wise elder statesman who first appears sitting in a chair. Slowly standing he looks over the audience, with moments of great energy followed by exhaustion reflecting his years as his knees or lungs give out. Comic moments where a flea is found in his clothing or lice in his hair are shown in a dance that shows tenderness, sadness, and childlike innocence.
“Dalem” – Artist: Unknown
Dalem (“Raja” or “King”) represents the qualities desirable in a ruler or leader – intelligence (represented by the third eye), nobility; the Dalem possesses good looks, is often a romantic hero, and this Topeng dance is performed with grace and style.
Artist: I.B. Ari Asta, son of I.B. Sutarja
Mas, Ubud, Bali
“Crescent Moon Mask” – Artist: Unknown
“Yawning” – Artist: Unknown
Ida Bagus Anom: Topeng (solo masked) Dance – June 12, 1999, Mas, Ubud, Bali
Anom & his gamelan accompanying
Anom: Topeng Tua – June 12, 1999
Calonarang Masks from Bali, Indonesia
“Rarung” – Artist: Unknown
Found in the Calonarang drama, Rarung possesses the ability to dispose of objects (dead bodies), and is sometimes called the Red Rangda.
“Rangda” – Artist: Unknown
Found in the Calonarang and Barong dramas, this mask represents the Queen of Witches and is the Balinese embodiment of evil, an expert in black magic and a symbol of fear.
“Barong Ket” – Artist: Unknown
A supernatural dragon-like creature and protector of mankind, the Barong fights and snaps its giant wooden teeth, and also has the innocent playful nature of a puppy. The confrontation between Barong and Rangda depicts the opposition of positive and negative forces in the universe.
June 13, 1999: w/Ida Bagus Anom (left) and I. Nyoman Suradnya (Batik Artist)