Javanese Topeng Dance Mask – Panji

Description

Hand carved wood and decorated with paint topeng dance mask. Dance masks were held in place by the dancer by gripping between the teeth a textile strip attached to the reverse of the mask.

The mask is of Prince Panji. Prince Panji represents the ideal of the halus (refined) hero. He is the counterpart of Arjuna, the princely hero in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata.

Topeng is a dramatic form of Indonesian dance in which one or more mask-wearing, ornately costumed performers interpret traditional narratives concerning fabled kings, heroes and myths, accompanied by gamelan or other traditional music instruments. 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.

Dimensions: 4″ x 6″ x 7.5″

Vintage piece. Sell in used, pre-owned condition. Vintage and antique items by nature have variable amounts of wear, imperfections, signs of use, age and time. Perfectly imperfect. Condition shown as in pictures. Kindly contact us if you need more info. or detail pictures.