Balinese Cultural Masks
'Expression of Cili I, ' mask
Smoothly chiseled features lend noble serenity to this image of Cili, one of Bali�s most revered deities. She is the goddess of fertility, her name in ancient Balinese, Ibu Pertiwi, referring to Mother Earth.
Wood mask, 'Miss Cobra'
Defiant and beautiful, the face of a woman is crowned with a deadly cobra. Nyoman Naranata carves this exceptional mask from local hibsicus wood, its intriguing grain adding to the mask's mystique. Detailed with refined artistry, this mask's expressive stance is admirable.
Wood mask, 'Four Brothers'
Made Tresna presents his favorite piece, a four-face mask to honor the family unity. He calls it "Wayan, Made, Nyoman, Ketut" - for these are traditional names given to boys according to their birth order. Wayan refers to the first born, and so on respectively.
Wood mask, 'Fragrant Lady II'
Dolphins frame her face while a sunflower crowns her head; she is the image of natural elegance. For Wayan Rendah, the dolphins are a symbol of a woman's dynamism; the flower symbolizes her beauty.
Wood mask, 'Love Circle'
The smooth grain of hibiscus wood highlights even contours in a harmonious mask by Made Tresna. Forming a circle, a couple signifies love that has no end. Their blissful features suggest a dream shared.
Wood mask, 'Miss Fan'
Her smiling face merges into graduated waves that open delicately into a kipas (fan). Lacy ribbons merge with long tresses in an exquisite portrait. Enticing the features from Balinese hibiscus wood, Made Tresna sculpts a mesmerizing mask.
Wood mask, 'Queen Cobra'
A beautiful woman stares serenely at the viewer, her smooth features expressing tranquility. Her hair is drawn upward and twin cobras form her earrings. Crowned by a larger coiled serpent with hood spread, her headdress of flowers and vines takes on a mythic import.
Wood mask, 'Crowned in Glory'
Nyoman Naranata carves this extraordinary mask as a tribute to Balinese women's beauty. Her expression is one of serenity and her proud stance is crowned with a flowery headdress. An admirable mask that Naranata carves by hand of hibiscus wood.
Wood mask, 'Goddess of the Moon and Stars'
The moon and the stars guard their goddess's dreams in a spectacular mask by master carver Nyoman Naranata. Working with manual tools, Naranata transforms hibiscus wood into a highly detailed work of art.
Wood batik mask, 'Bird Man'
Finely carved from pule wood, a serene personage is visited by a bird that rests on his forehead. Lavish motifs in batik cover the mask's entire surface. This extravagant piece by Handaru Baskoro is a superb example of batik on wood.