Head of the mythical lion ‘Barong’ as representing The Good in the famed and well-loved Balinese/Javanese mask play of the evil witch ‘Rangda’ versus ‘Barong’. The mask of the lion ‘Barong’ is always danced by two people: one at the front holding the head and opening and closing the mouth of the ‘Barong’ using handgrips at the back of the mask. Behind him a second dancer constitutes the body of the ‘Barong’. Both dancers act in concert under a shaggy fibre costume that represents the body of the lion. As can be expected, in this showdown of ‘Good versus Evil’, it is always the good lion ‘Barong’ who wins and the evil witch ‘Rangda’ must flee. The present ‘Barong head' is old and carved out of wood in the traditional fashion. It is lacquered in dark red, white and black. Its big, round eyes are made of black glass. At the back of the mask are the two hand grips with which, via an iron hinge, the dancer at the front can open the lion’s mouth and spectacularly ‘let it roar’. Missing on account of age here is the ‘mane’ made of painted leather at the top and spreading like wings to both sides, which is usually typical of a ‘Barong head’.
Overall a typical, original piece, with visibly old signs of use and patina on all parts. There is no significant damage. Height: c. 22 cm; Width: 19 cm; Length: 35 cm. First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
Private Collection of Prof. Dr. Rudolf Leopold, Vienna.