A traditional vintage Balinese wooden Barong Ket mask, Bali, Indonesia, mid-20th century or earlierFinely carved wooden mask representing Barong Ket, the principal and most widely encountered form of the Balinese Barong, the powerful protective spirit of Balinese mythology.
The strongly expressive face is characterised by large bulging eyes, a broad modelled nose, prominent fangs and teeth, pointed ears and an elaborate radiating headdress, all richly decorated in red, black, ochre and gilt pigments.
The Barong Ket combines feline and bovine characteristics and is traditionally regarded as a benevolent protective force, appearing in ritual and theatrical performances associated with the eternal struggle between Barong and Rangda.
The mask retains a particularly attractive aged and distressed surface, with extensive wear to the polychrome decoration, losses to the gilding, abrasions and accumulated patina consistent with prolonged age and use.
Two old nails remain to the reverse, presumably for suspension.
Comparable early 20th-century examples are recorded in European museum collections.
dimensions: approx. 30 x 30x 13 cm
comparative literature:
MASKS FROM INDONESIA IN THE NÁPRSTEK MUSEUM, ANNALS OF THE NÁPRSTEK MUSEUM 38/1 • 2017 • (pp. 41–94),
plate 11, 28