Javanese Masks

The tari topeng seem to be special.

Masks are treated with a respect which goes beyond the simple monetary value of a beautiful artifact.

There is a feeling that the spirit of the mask is important and exists separately from the dancer, so that when the mask is placed over the face one is inhabited by the character rather than merely assuming it.

Gagahan masks, these mask is too reflect the iconography of the puppets. Round staring eyes, wide blunt noses, bold toothy smiles and lots of facial hair are the predominant features.

Gagahan Mask - Kelana

The basic facial colour is strong and the most commonly performed, and favourite gagah character, King Klana, is a bright choleric red, with a fine handlebar moustache. The decorative headdress is much the same with perhaps more vigorously curling hair, and the overall facial shape is more rounded. Much of the effect gained by these masks is aided by the elaborate hair and headdresses worn with them. Klana has a large headdress with plenty of hair, and the most aggressive raksasa (ogres) have immense wigs of matted hair to rival any rastafarian.

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