JM2

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.

Religions throughout the world have the conflict of good and evil. In the Balinese society specifically this struggle between good and evil is shown in a particular way, through the use of the Barong Ket and the Rangda masks. Many cultures have the idea of the “good guy” and the “bad guy” in the forces of good and evil.

The Barong Ket mask used in the Barong ritual is a very important character. Barong is the “good guy” depicted in this ritual dance. Throughout most of Bali the Barong is looked to as a protector of sorts, his frightful image of a lion with sharp teeth and his beard dipped in holy water dispersing droplets around the village giving him strong protective qualities which resemble what we see in the West as the gargoyles on top of the Catholic cathedrals.

Rangda represents the “bad guy” or “bad girl” in this ritual. Rangda a worshipper of witchcraft casts evil, sickness, and death upon the village after being exiled to the forest. Her mask and costume is made up of messy hair, claws, and long tongue similar to what people in the West would relate to as an evil serpent.

The fight between Rangda and Barong serves as a portrayal of the keeping of the balance between good and evil in the world. The followers of the Barong fall into a trance set upon them by Rangda. The supporters of the Barong are young boys offering themselves to a tragic death; though none of the boys participating in this ritual actually die. The Barong and Rangda fight the fight of good versus evil only to make up in the end restoring the peace and balance for the village.

Word Count: 272 Sources: Dr. Richmonds Class notes and The Barong (Part II)