mask (dance & live theatre)

Wayang wong mask, tapel, depicting Rahwana. Mask carved from pule wood, with protruding nose above slightly open mouth. Furrowed ridge running vertically above nose to forehead. Mouth has large canine in upper jaw to each side, upper jaw also with teeth of shell; aperture below large round eyes, the centres of which are inset with a shiny material, perhaps glass. Face painted brown with black, red and gold details. A carved wooden ear pendant below each earlobe. Curls of facial hair indicated around the mouth in black paint with gold stripes. Row of low mounds painted in swirls of black and gold above brows, which are painted gold. Headdress of carved and painted leather with coronet and garuda figure projecting at rear. Above is a carved wooden crown with vertical apertures and jewels indicated in colour around the centre and at the top which is surmounted by a gold painted finial. Pompom of red wool fixed to either side of the mask above the ears. The headdress is lined in black cloth. Hook for hanging at rear of crown. Signed by the maker on the inside.

Collection Information

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