Barong Naga Mask – Java Island / Indonesia

Old Barong Naga or Barong-dragon mask with a very stylized dragon's head, whose articulated jaws allow us to appreciate the large teeth of the zoomorphic mask. The patterns were carved into the wood with a gouge, and then painted. The system of articulation is very simple, a handle articulating each element of the top and bottom. When the mouth is open, you can see that the inside of the palace is also painted, emphasizing the care taken in making this object. The old patina and the marks of use highlight the repeated use of the mask, explaining the few gaps in the paint. This mask, used for the traditional Barong dance, is called “caplokan”, taken from the Indonesian verb “caplok” which means to grab. He can be "kesurupan", that is to say possessed by a spirit. The dragon-serpent Naga symbolizes the powers of good and evil. Comes from the former Alain Dusch collection.

(For more information on this object, contact us at 0616234231 or by mail: areacorpvel@gmail.com)