Balinese Animal Motif Masks
Wood mask, 'Monkey Soldier'
Glaring eyes and bared teeth define one of the wenara (monkey) soldiers of the famed Hindu Ramayana epic.
Wood mask, 'Garuda with Egg'
Garuda escapes the underworld with the elixir of life in his beak in this extraordinary mask by the talented Wayan Gandung. An admirer of Balinese tradition and folklore, Gandung carves the image from albesia wood, carefully detailing and adorning the mask with acrylic paints.
Wood mask, 'Tiger Fangs'
Its details representative of Balinese artistry, this tiger's head lends a ferocious accent. Ketut Widen visually protests hunting with the carving, suggesting that it is better to display wooden representations on the wall rather than the real thing.
Wood mask, 'Lion Power'
A symbol of power and bravery, this lion's head makes for an impressive mask. Nyoman Karsa hand-carves the fierce-looking mask from suar wood. Working with manual tools, Karsa stylizes the lion with traditional Balinese motifs detailed with exuberant artistry.
Wood mask, 'Sweet Brown Beagle'
Alert and playful, a beagle gazes at his owner with unfathomable sweetness. The beloved mascot is intelligent, quick to learn and rarely aggressive. Nengah Sudarsana's hand-carved mask realistically depicts the dog, while faithfully recreating its colors.
Wood mask, 'Cheeky Monkey'
Smiling a cheeky smile, this mask expresses a monkey's mischievous nature. Nyoman Naranata masterfully conjures sentiment through his carved art. Working with manual tools, he transforms hibiscus wood into the vivid face of a monkey.
Wood mask, 'Feline Mystique'
Smooth hibiscus wood takes on feline contours as Nyoman Naranata transforms it into a fascinating mask. Seeming to smile, the mysterious cat is alert with ears and eyes.
Wood mask, 'Legendary Eagle'
Fierce-looking and of loyal heart, Garuda the Bird of Life, appears with striking force through this albesia wood carving by Wayan Gandung. An admirer of Balinese beliefs and customs, Gandung finds inspiration in mystical heroes and fantastical beings.
Wood mask, 'Black Giraffe'
Graceful and noble, the giraffe makes a stately presence in this mask by Made Sarna. He uses manual tools to carve the albesia wood with explicit detail, evidencing Balinese and Javanese artistic influences. Once the mask has dried, Sarna embellishes it with acrylic paints.
Wood mask, 'Sweet Boston Terrier'
With a look of pure love, a Boston terrier holds ears at attention. Nengah Sudarsana works in Balinese albesia wood to sculpt this beautifully lifelike mask. The signature piece is meticulously carved and painted by hand.