Indonesian Wayang topeng mask, “Gondosuli**”** 19th–early 20th century Indonesia, Bali H24*18*12 cm This wooden mask —topeng—of a character called Gondosuli, a demonic figure belongs to a rarified genre of Balinese...
This wooden mask —topeng—of a character called Gondosuli, a demonic figure belongs to a rarified genre of Balinese dance-drama. Such masks were carved by the most esteemed Balinese sculptors of their generation.
Topeng is a dramatic form of Indonesian dance in which one or more mask-wearing ornately costumed performers interpret traditional narratives concerning fabled kings, heroes, and myths, accompanied by gamelan or other traditional music instruments. Topeng dance is a typical Indonesian dance that can be found in various regions of Indonesia. Topeng dance has the main characteristic that the dancers use masks to cover their faces. The dance will usually be performed by one dancer or a group of dancers.
Topeng is widely used in dances that are part of traditional ceremonies or the retelling of ancient stories from the ancestors. It is believed that topeng is closely related to ancestral spirits which are considered interpretations of gods. In some tribes, topeng still adorns various daily artistic and customary activities. Topeng dance is a performance dance full of meaningful symbols that are expected to be understood by the audience. These symbols are conveyed through the colors of the masks, the expressions of the masks, and the accompanying music. The meaning conveyed can be in the form of leadership values, love, wisdom, and other meanings conveyed through the medium of dance movements.