Barong Mask – Wood – Bali, Indonesia

Wonderful wooden Barong mask from Indonesia. Unique and large piece, dimensions: 105×40 cm. Including the beard and hear of the mask.

A Barong mask is a sacred, intricately carved wooden mask from Bali, Indonesia, representing the “King of Spirits”. As the benevolent guardian of good, the lion-like character battles the demon queen Rangda in traditional ceremonies, symbolizing the eternal struggle between good and evil. Cultural & Spiritual Significance Mythological Guardian: Barong is a forest guardian taking various forms; the lion (Barong Ket) is the most popular and revered. Sacred Creation: The carving of a village’s Barong mask is a highly ritualistic process requiring temple blessings, specific caste carvers, and hundreds of coats of paint. The Barong Dance: The full costume requires two dancers and weighs up to 100 pounds. During sacred performances, falling into a trance signifies the Barong spirit has entered the mask and dancers.

Good condition with clear traces of wear and tear.