Mask

About this object

History of use

Represents a character from the Ramayana saga.

Narrative

Purchased in the 1970s by a friend of the donor, who was a representative of the Canadian government posted in Singapore. Thought to have been carved by either Ida Bagus Ngurah or his son, Ida Bagus Gelodog.

Physical description

Wooden humanoid mask. Head is thin, tapering inwards towards the chin, with sunken eyes, a wide nose and gaping mouth. Face is painted black, eyes are white with large black pupils, and mouth is dark red. Four white, square teeth in mouth. Holes in mask for eyes and mouth. Holes drilled into either side of mask, with fibre strand knotted through for hanging. Inscription carved inside mask.