Vintage King’s Strong Minister Mask, Bali (1301-18PBE) $125
$125.00
Ht: 8.5” W: 6.51” D: 4.5″ | FREE SHIPPING!
This traditional Patih (minister) Keras (hard, strong, forceful) Balinese mask is deeply carved, and his huge red lips symbolize a tough, intense, easy to anger but powerful man in a position of prestige. Exaggerated facial elements of large bulging eyes, a powerful stare, huge, bright red lips and a thick animal hair/hide mustache indicate his internal strength as a trusted minister carrying out his king’s wishes. This mask was personally collected in Bali in the 1970s and is in excellent condition with minor scratches and losses consistent with age.
Description
This ethnic and folk-art Bali legendary court minister (topeng patih) is performed in a special mask dance named Topeng Panjegan, as only one dancer interprets five different characters wearing full face masks preventing speech. Patih manis (Sweet Minister) is often the first solo dance after a gamelan orchestra introduction, and this patih keras (strong minister) may be performed later on. Dancers choose from about 30 masks and dance 5 characters from the 6th century Hindu epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata or Babad Dalem (the Chronicles of Hindu-Balinese Kings). Patih Manis is good-natured, mild, dignified and well-bred warrior from the second Hindu caste and a man of action completing his king’s policies. This mask has red broad closed lips, large eyes and a huge mustache. His dance begins with a low rumble like a storm gathering energy, then subsidies and repeats itself. When the dancer is calm and pauses, he shakes his outstretched fingers and quickly turns his head in staccato movements adding tension and intensity and then again gathers his energy. This well carved vintage mask collected in the 1970’s is part of the VA Hindu-Cultural-and-Ritual Art Collection.
Click here for the blog Indonesian Dance Masks (Topeng): Spiritually Connecting the Community
Additional information
| Place of Origin | Indonesia |
|---|---|
| Period | Vintage (1920-1980) |
| Date | 1970's |
| Materials and Technique | Wood |
| Dimensions (inches) | Ht: 8.5” W: 6.51” D: 4.5" |
| Weight | 10.1oz |
| Condition | Excellent, age appropriate signs of wear |
| Item Number | 1301-18PBE |
| Shipping Box Size |
