KB2

Written Assignment 2

The masks you have seen from Bali fall into two categories, those that are employed for the Topeng and those used for ritual and religious performances in which a Rangda and a Barong Ket mask are used. Besides having an entertainment value for those who watch the characters they depict in action, they also serve a practical purpose to the Balinese. Discuss some of the masks and the characters they depict and the way they are employed to serve ritual and religious purposes in Balinese society.

Topeng is an art form that depicts the flow of life from birth, life, and then ultimately death. There are both sacred and secular expressionism during a Topeng performance. This can be seen in many of the different masks associated with the plays and the characters they represent. Each mask is hand carved and made out of wood. After the mask is carved it is decorated and painted by hand. Some masks are even so sacred no one but the performer can wear or even touch it.

The first mask and character associated with the Topeng Gras is a strong life-force character. the Seoun is the old man he represents a person experienced in world andd that is called a Topeng Tua. At the end of every Topeng performance brings the Sidhakarya mask. Each mask represents a struggle between good and evil and is presented throughout the performance of Topeng.

By far my favorite mask is the Sidhakarya masks in Topeng. The huge mouths and and protruding teeth as well as bold colors make the masks pop and are absolutely beautiful.