'Benevolent Lion Deity,' mask (brown) Home Decor Masks Balinese Cultural Masks 
Fiercely loyal, Barong is one of Bali's most
benevolent deities. Half dog and half lion, he is said
to possess the body of a spiritual medium during religious
ceremonies. Nyoman Subrata carves this superb mask from sono wood;
its rich grain is ideal for the carver's detailed artistry.
One of Bali's most beloved and revered characters, Barong is
the hero of the Calonarang dance. The performance
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. Countering that move, Barong cast a spell that
made their bodies resistant to the sharp weapons. At the
end, Barong 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.
Slight variations in the wood's grain are to be expected.
Price: $129.95 |
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