Ceremonial Masks from the villages of Java

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

balinese mask


Three Balinese masks

Family workshops on both Bali and Java produce masks ranging from the papier mâché folk festival of Muhammad masks from Java, which are sold by paddlers on the street, to extremely fine and sacred masks with many layers of delicate painting made by famous master craftsmen for use in court or temple ceremonies.
The Balinese carve many elaborately detailed wooden masks with a wide variety of forms, reflecting the Hindu belief that everything has an active spirit. The mask maker drys the wood and, after the carving is finished, an undercoat of white gesso is applied with the colored paints applied on top. Metallic foils are used for accents.
Javanese masks from the villages are exuberant and strong. These masks are usually painted with ordinary paint, rather than laqcuered. Horsehair is used for mustaches and beards, glass or mirrors may be used for eyes, tire rubber may form ears or straps. Masks which have been used for awhile will acquire a dark patina on the inside, even if the front has been repainted. Sometimes there is a back cross-brace where the performer grips the mask with his tThree Balinese masks

Family workshops on both Bali and Java produce masks ranging from the papier mâché folk festival of Muhammad masks from Java, which are sold by paddlers on the street, to extremely fine and sacred masks with many layers of delicate painting made by famous master craftsmen for use in court or temple ceremonies.
The Balinese carve many elaborately detailed wooden masks with a wide variety of forms, reflecting the Hindu belief that everything has an active spirit. The mask maker drys the wood and, after the carving is finished, an undercoat of white gesso is applied with the colored paints applied on top. Metallic foils are used for accents.
Javanese masks from the villages are exuberant and strong. These masks are usually painted with ordinary paint, rather than laqcuered. Horsehair is used for mustaches and beards, glass or mirrors may be used for eyes, tire rubber may form ears or straps. Masks which have been used for awhile will acquire a dark patina on the inside, even if the front has been repainted. Sometimes there is a back cross-brace where the performer grips the mask with his t

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