Topeng “Penasar” Mask, Indonesia, Mid 20th C.

A vintage “Penasar” mask from Indonesia, circa 1965-1970. This type of mask is used at Indonesian “Topeng” or mask theater dances, where traditional stories of nobles, kings, princes and warriors are acted by masked actors.

Accompanying the dance, the stories are narrated by an actor in a Penasar, a jawless half-mask that enables him to speak clearly for the audience.

Hand-carved teak, polychromed in white and black. Mounted on a black metal stand.