Carved and Painted Wooden Mask of Rangda
Date19th century
MediumWood, polychrome pigments, metal hardware
DimensionsOverall: 11 × 14 3/4 × 5 1/4 in. (27.9 × 37.5 × 13.3cm)
ClassificationsWoodwork
Object number61.24
DescriptionRangda is an archetypal violent antagonist who also represents Dewi Durga, the Queen of Black Magic and the Goddess of Death. She is a vengeful widow whose powers encompass both protection and destruction. Her story is told in the Calonarang drama, but this mask can also serve as Dewi Durga in the Barong drama. The typical mask iconography of Rangda includes: a white color base, bulging eyes, flaring nostrils, fearsome fangs curving outward in a cavernous mouth complete with an elongated tongue brandishing bursts of flames. The mask’s hair is usually made of horsehair.On View
Not on view
19th century
19th century
19th century
