Gamelan is the traditional Indonesian percussion orchestra composed of a set of musical instruments including hand-forged metal xylophones, gongs, chimes, and cymbals along with drums, string instruments and flutes. The xylophone keys are set within hand carved colorfully painted stands with symbolic imagery varying by location, types of xylophones used, and local traditions. Most have images of dragons (naga) who are benevolent creatures often linked to the sea, mountains, and forests and/or a Bhoma. Bhoma (“born from the earth”) is an ancient protective Balinese deity, offspring of the god of rain and the goddess of earth, guards Balinese temple entrances to keep evil spirits at bay. His head and face are often wrapped in a crown of flowers that appear menacing or friendly depending on the person entering the sacred space.
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This mask is patih keras, a strong king’s prime minister in orange symbolizing a tough, intense and powerful person reinforced by his large bulging eyes, powerful stare, red lips and full black moustache. Personally collected in Bali in the 1970s, this beautifully carved mask is in excellent condition with a wash applied on the back to make it look older.
This traditional but unusual mask (topeng) of Rangda was a rare toy or was used to teach children Balinese lore and religious and artistic expression. It has wonderfully carved upper fangs, bulging eyes and protruding teeth and, as a personification of evil Rangda, who leads an evil army that instills anxiety and fear. This mask is in very good condition considering its age and use.
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