Barong mask: ape ·  Indonesia - Bali · ID: 3035005

Description

light-coloured wood, greyish brown patina, red and white paint, snout-like projecting mouth part, the lower jaw with strong fangs fixed by pieces of leather, small wooden pegs on forehead and upper lip, slightly dam., rep. (forehead backside, beside the right eye), metal socle;
Barong masks are among the most important masks in Bali; they function as protective spirits for Balinese villages. Most are animals; the monkey is a favorite with Balinese of all ages, being a clever, mischievous, and almost human personality.

Comparing literature

Slattum, Judy, Balinese masks, Tokio 2011, ill. 118