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A mask is an object worn in front of the face to hide the true identity of the wearer. They are often used in theater productions, to allow the actors to assume a different character. In Indonesia, masks have been used by dancers for thousands of years to portray various characters.
An Indonesian mask varies from region to region, as well as the purpose it was intended for. There are masks worn for funerals, initiation ceremonies as well as temple celebrations. The masks are beautiful works of art, that are believed to hold both spiritual as well as religious significance.
Indonesian masks are still used to this day, and are fashioned in the same traditional styles, using techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. There are also more modern versions available for sale. These make great wall decorations for your home, villa or hotel.
You can check out all of the different types of Indonesian Masks & Handicraft Products we Sell, such as mirrors, wind chimes, statutes, masks, boxes etc and the different materials used, such as wood, shell craft etc by clicking on our Handicrafts Catalog link on the side bar.
Indonesian Masks from Bali
Bali is the only Hindu island in Indonesia, and the temple ceremonies and dances incorporate various mask styles. A Balinese mask dancer is held in very high regard in the society, and there are certain rituals that they have to go through before donning the mask.
The Barong is a popular character in Balinese dances, and it has quite a wild looking form. The eyes are large and bulbous, and he has long teeth which curve upwards. His hair is wild and unruly, and protrudes from the edges of the mask. This character appears in several dance performances, and is quite menacing.
Balinese masks are carved out of wood, which is dried thoroughly before applying paints. An undercoat of white is applied, with colored paints added on top. Various colors are used, and gold accents are applied for extra affect. Horsehair is used to represent hair, mustaches or beards.
Magic and spiritualism play a very important role in Balinese life, and the people are very superstitious. These Barong masks are believed to hold spiritual energy and as such are greatly revered.
Indonesian Masks from Java
An Indonesian mask from Java takes a very different form to the ones found in Bali. They have a much smoother, stylized look, with very sharp features. They are painted with ordinary paint and not lacquered, which means they are not as shiny as the Balinese versions. These masks have a brace in the back, which the performer grips with his teeth, to hold the mask in place.
Five colors are used on this style of Indonesian mask. Red is used to symbolize courage, black for ambition, yellow for wisdom, white for purity and green for peace. There is a colorful carving across the forehead, using all of these colors, and the face is a pale cream or white color, with high cheek bones, and a square chin.
These masks are made for the performers of traditional opera, or “wayang topeng” which is based on the ancient shadow puppet plays from the 18th century. The story is told by a narrator, while the masked performers do not speak.
You can check out all of the different types of Bali Handicraft Products we sell, such as mirrors, wind chimes, statutes, masks, boxes etc. and the different materials used, such as wood, shell craft etc by clicking on our Handicrafts Catalog link on the side bar.
Materials used
Various materials are used in Indonesian mask making, and all are found in the natural surroundings. The basic shape is hand carved out of wood, which is sanded to a smooth finish. Once the wood is dry, other elements can be added.
The colors are created with paints, and used to bring our the facial features. Other elements are highlighted with various accessories. Glass or mirrors can be used for the eyes, tire rubber for ears or straps, and the hair is either represented by horse hair, or bird feathers.
Every mask is created lovingly by hand, and great care is taken in every tiny detail. These make wonderful gifts for your family and friends, or a display piece for your home.
Buy from our Bali handicrafts catalog
You can check out all of the different types of Bali Handicraft Products we sell, such as mirrors, wind chimes, statutes, masks, boxes etc and the different materials used, such as wood, shell craft etc by clicking on our Handicrafts Catalog link on the side bar.
So want to see our catalogs and see what you can buy online? Check out our extensive product range. You can browse all of the products we have for sale by browsing all of our online shopping stores catalogs on the side bar.
And if what you are looking to buy can’t be found in our own Online Shopping Store Catalogs, don’t worry…..we will either source it for you, design it with you, or arrange to have it made by one of our quality vendors!
