Theater Mask, Indonesia, 1970s

A vintage theater mask from Bali, Indonesia, circa 1975-1980. Polychromed hand-carved teak.

This type of mask is used at Indonesian “Topeng” or Mask theater dances, where traditional stories of nobles, kings, villains and warriors are performed by masked actors.

The white masks usually represent nobles and royals (male and female), with taut lines, narrowing towards a delicate chin, and the noses are sharply ridged and pointed. The eyes are elongated, and the mouths are small.

Mounted on a bespoke black metal stand for a total height of 16 inches.