Dalem

Dalem is the term for an ideal mask of a Hindu King (topeng dalem) who wears a full mask precluding speech, and dancers perform in silence using body language and gestures to depict the traits of the mask danced. Low-born peasants, servants or attendants wearing half-masks explain and humorously comment on the story being presented. The Balinese mask of a king is normally an idealized high born, handsome and refined noble with prominent cheek bones usually painted with white, the color of purity, who expresses his clarity of purpose, poise and confidence by staring directly at the audience.

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  • Vintage Carved Mask of a King, Bali (1301-12EBE) $105

    $105.00
    H: 8.125″  W: 6″  D: 3.5″ | FREE SHIPPINGwithin continental u.s.!

    Dalem is an idealized and refined mask (topeng, tapel) of a model Hindu King from Bali and is usually white symbolizing purity. The mask and dance present actions, postures and gestures validating the traits of a good king: grace, poise, dignity and refinement. This piece is well carved, balanced and in fine proportion, and the crown and the animal hide and hair eyebrows and mustache are well integrated in portraying the king’s confidence. It is in very good condition with a wash applied as a the mask to make it look older. It was personally collected in Bali in the 1970s.

    Click here for the blog Indonesian Dance Masks (Topeng): Spiritually Connecting the Community

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  • Vintage Mask of a King (Topeng Dalem), Bali (1301-32JBE) $110

    $110.00
    H: 7.375″  W:  5.625″  D: 3″ | FREE SHIPPING within continental u.s.!

    A traditional Balinese mask, this is a refined and idealized model of a Hindu king (dalem) and is usually white, the color of purity. The mask and dance portrays the actions, traits and gestures of a good king having grace, poise, dignity and refinement. Well carved and balanced, it has fine proportions and the crown, animal hide/hair, eyebrows and mustache are well integrated to present a confident king. Personally collected in Bali in the 1970s, it is in very good condition with a wash applied as a patina to make it look older.

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  • Vintage Mask of a Strong Minister (Topeng Keras), Bali (1301-4FBE) $125

    $125.00
    H: 7.125” W: 5.875” D: 3” | FREE SHIPPING within continental u.s.!

    This fine, deeply carved and painted Balinese mask is the king’s strong prime minister (patih keras), a position of prestige usually filled by warriors of the second Hindu (ksatrya) caste. The large bulging eyes increase the power of his stare and the outsized thick bright red lips symbolize his intensity. This mask was personally collected in Bali in the 1970s and is in excellent condition with minor hair loss on the eyebrows.

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  • Vintage Mask of Minister Kebo Taruna, Bali (1301-11QBE) $125

    $125.00
    H: 7.5”  W: 6”  D: 3.75” | FREE SHIPPING!

    This fine vintage historical ethnic Balinese mask is Kebo Taruna. the powerful Balinese minister (patih) feared by Gaja Mada the brilliant Javanese “Elephant General” who brought the Indonesian Hindu Majapahit Empire to its peak and conquered Bali in 1343. His peculiar half-smile, forceful eyes and angular nose are carved to complement his intense expression, make it look more forceful and add energy to the mask. These features describe the minister’s power and confidence. Finely carved and embellished with animal hide and hair for his mustache and eyebrows, this mask is in excellent condition.

    Click here for the blog Indonesian Dance Masks (Topeng): Spiritually Connecting the Community

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