Mask Item Number: 3461/16 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Wooden mask of a queen character. Humanoid face with closed eyes, a wide nose and rounded cheeks. Mask is wearing a crown with a large triangle on top. The edges of the crown curl inward and it is carved entirely in relief. Hair, also carved in relief, goes halfway down the sides of the mask. Mouth is closed and smiling. Wood is yellow-brown. Mask has slit holes for the eyes and holes for the nose. Metal eye hooks are drilled into the back of mask, with a knotted string through them, for hanging. Ink inscription inside of mask.

History Of Use

Represents a character from the Ramayana saga.

Narrative

Purchased in the 1970s by a friend of the donor, who was a representative of the Canadian government posted in Singapore. Thought to have been carved by either Ida Bagus Ngurah or his son, Ida Bagus Gelodog.