BH+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.  In Bali the religious and ritual performances using the Rangda and Barong Ket masks serve to balance the forces of good and evil and keep local witches (The Mask of Rangda, film) while Topeng performances are done as a ritual and service to the community, with the appearance of the Sidha Karya mask tying in the religious aspects with a closing prayer (Farley lecture, personal video.) The Rangda, Barong Ket, and Sidha Karya masks are all sacred and considered to be powerful in very real sense. (Farley lecture) In Topeng masks of the dancing or the comedy characters do not have particular religious importance except that Topeng is ritual in its nature and each mask is sprinkled with holy water. They primarily serve to entertain spectators and distinguish characters. Sidha Karya, however, represents the balance between good and evil. His entrance, baring large teeth that might alarm an outsider, in the often humorous performance marks a serious turn in the performance and commands the attention of those present. (Farley, lecture and personal video) The Barong Ket mask is that of the guardian who can sniff out evil and battle it. With ferocious teeth and a beard dipped in holy water, this lion mask can be worn by anyone but the two men wearing the mask cannot fall into trance without risking serious harm. After all, they are at war with evil. The Rangda mask is perhaps even more powerful, requiring a wearer who can withstand acting as a lightning rod for black magic. Both are necessary to achieve balance. Only after Rangda calls the evil to her can Barong Ket begin to keep it at bay. (The Mask of Rangda film, Farley lecture)  word count: 275