Wayang topeng mask of a martial ruler
Not on view
This wooden mask—topeng—of a kingly character belongs to a rarified genre of Balinese dance-drama in which masked male actors, richly costumed, perform episodes from local history plays (babad). The large nose, wide bulging eyes, abundant facial hair and open mouth with exposed teeth all serve to identify this as a coarse unrefined character, despite his royal rank as indicated by the diadem he wears. Thus, he is a forceful and authoritarian character (keras), a dramatic counterpoint to the refined and cultured characters (halus). The raised carving of the eye lids and furrowed brow give further emphasis to his flawed character. Such masks were carved by the most esteemed Balinese sculptors of their generation.
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