A short presentation by Pak Iwan:

Islands? – World’s largest archipelago.

People? – 4th most populous nation.

Diversity? – More than 300 ethnic cultures, more than 700 languages and dialects.

There are different forms of masks in various tribes in Indonesia. Each has unique significance based on the local socio-historical contexts.

In Java, the shapes of eyes, nose, mouth, and the basic colors of the masks may carry different meanings. For instance:

Red bravery

White sacredness,nobility

Green fertility, everlasting life

Other colors have mixed interpretations.

Masks can be used for spiritual, religious, educational, and entertainment purposes.

While a mask dance contains elements of music, dance, and songs, it may have a strong philosophical and moral teachings.

A mask dancer usually has special ritual before the dance and/or wearing the mask. His/her soul is unified with the mask.

Roles as an entertainer, a philosopher, and an exorcist.

Although Bali is growing more secular, topeng(mask) dancers continue to balance the entertainment and religious functions.

To do a mask dance in Bali, you have to be good at dance, at dialogue, at singing, read a lot of philosophy, and know the social life.