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Dance Mask (Topeng) of Resobagu
Central Java, Indonesia
early 20th century or earlier
height: 18.5 cm
This mask is of hand carved wood and decorated with polychrome paints. It is of Resobagu, a character from a wayang topeng dance drama.
Dance masks were held in place by the dancer by gripping between the teeth a textile strip attached to the reverse of the mask. It was felt that through this
strip, the spirit of the character could enter the dancer’s body.
Topeng dance is said to have been introduced to Java by one of the nine wali sanga (Islamic saints) who introduced Islam to the Indonesian archipelago
during the sixteenth century, along the north coast of Java.
Inventory no.: 280
This Item is available - Ask about this item
Dance Mask (Topeng) of Resobagu
Central Java, Indonesia
early 20th century or earlier
height: 18.5 cm
This mask is of hand carved wood and decorated with polychrome paints. It is of Resobagu, a character from a wayang topeng dance drama.
Dance masks were held in place by the dancer by gripping between the teeth a textile strip attached to the reverse of the mask. It was felt that through this
strip, the spirit of the character could enter the dancer’s body.
Topeng dance is said to have been introduced to Java by one of the nine wali sanga (Islamic saints) who introduced Islam to the Indonesian archipelago
during the sixteenth century, along the north coast of Java.
Inventory no.: 280
This Item is available - Ask about this item
