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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.

The Rangda mask, that represents the queen of witches as well the Godess of Death., is used in ceremony to restore the balance of magic to the area, especially if someone has been doing too much with black magic. During this ritual there are several men that become entranced, however, the wearer of the Rangda mask cannot fall into that chance, for he channels dark forces to himself, so that they can be removed by the men with swords. If he falls into a trance there is a chance that the evil will be set loose in the village and balance will not be restored. In the same performance we have the Barong Ket mask, this mask represents the animal protector of the village, usually something similar to the Lion of china, however than are boars and other animals used as well.(Video 2/15) This character comes from times before Hinduism, This character sniffs out evil around the village and has his beard dipped in holy water in order to strengthen itself against the evil forces. During this performance evil is never completely destroyed, instead, the sides of good and evil are set back to balance.(Richmond 2/17) The most important mask for the Topeng is also one that invokes great spiritual power. This mask is the one that represents Sidha Karhya, this character always comes at the end of the Topeng performance. While wearing this mask the performer will often bless the performance area and the offerings that have been made to the gods. Also he will recite mantras that have specific meanings in the purification of the area and the people in it. The Sidha Karhya masks are very sacred and kept very well and carefully. Without this mask the Topeng ceremony would not be able to end. (Richmond)

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