Demonic mask for Balinese dance-drama performance (topeng)

early 20th century

Not on view

This wooden mask—topeng—of a demonic character belongs to a rarified genre of Balinese dance-drama in which masked male actors, richly costumed, perform episodes from local history plays (babad) and the Hindu epics. The sculptor has captured the character’s energy with great skill. The round bulging eyes, flared nostrils and grimacing mouth with exposed teeth all serve to identify this as a coarse and fearful character of demonic nature. In performance he would provide a dramatic counterpoint to the refined and cultured halus characters.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Demonic mask for Balinese dance-drama performance (topeng)
Date: early 20th century
Culture: Indonesia, Bali or Lombok
Medium: Wood with paint and gold
Dimensions: H. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm); W. 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm); D. 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm)
Classification: Masks
Credit Line: Gift of Thomas Murray, in memory of Terrance "Zak" Saklofsky, 2024
Object Number: 2024.558
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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