BALINESE FEMALE SHUSH WOODEN MASK FOR A WELCOME DAY OF SILENCE LARGE 40CM HIGH

A STRIKING MALE SHUSH WOODEN MASK MADE IN BALI INDONESIA. IT IS 100 PERCENT MADE IN INDONESIA HOWEVER THIS MASK MIGHT HAVE 2 POSSIBLE ORIGENS ON THE ISLAND. BOTH POSSIBILITIES ARE EQUALLY INTERESTING AND I LEAVE IT TO THE BUYER TO CHOOSE THE STORY HE OR SHE LIKES THE MOST.
 
SINCE BALI CELEBRATES A HINDU DAY OF SILENCE CALLED NYEPI DAY I THINK THIS MASK MIGHT BE USED IN SOME OF THE CELEBRATION FESTIVITIES LEADING TO THE HOLIDAY. It is hand carved from sustainably grown albesia wood in Bali by talented wood carvers high upon the mountain slopes of north of Ubud.  It is then stained and hand painted in typical Balinese style. The face rest upon the folded hand with the index finger held to the lips with the shush gesture. Interestingly the hand also forms the base for display upon a tabletop or shelf but could also be hung on a wall.
 
Since a secretive expression courses through the smooth details of this mask with one finger raised to his lips, apparently asking for a moments discretion, this mask might be instead an abstract composition coming from the imagination of Nyoman Naranata, who uses hibiscus wood to create similar masks of natural intrigue on Indonesia.
 
NOTE I HAVE ANOTHER MALE BALI SHUSH MASK AND TWO INTERESTING AFRICAN WOODEN STATUES ALSO ON AUCTION THIS WEEK.
 
SIZE 22CM WIDE 40CM HIGH 12CM DEEP
 
CONDITION: IN GOOD CONDITION
 
BALI MASKS:
Balinese, people of the island of Bali, Indonesia. Unlike most Indonesians, who practice Islam, the Balinese adhere to Hinduism. Bali masks are solely produced for sacred dances in the temples in Indonesia. The Balinese are masters in creating masks and this talent is passed from one generation to the next. Today, the masks are still worn during temple dances, the celebration of the various stages of life, the rice planting, the harvesting season, and the victory of good over evil in Indonesia. Typically, Bali masks are made from wood. The goal of the Bali mask is to scare off evil spirits, sickness, or to prevent natural disasters such as famine, drought, and floods. There are different types of Bali masks like human masks, animal masks, god mask, and demon masks.
 
BALI SILENCE DAY:
In Balinese culture, Nyepi Day is the Day of Silence celebrated in March every year. This day is the equivalent of New Years Day for the Balinese lunar calendar and is also a public holiday in Indonesia. During the whole day, all activities and businesses are stopped, lights are off, and by law nobody has the right to go out in the streets. Thats the day of soul purification. For 6 days before, large offerings are placed at every street crossing, and giant papier-mâché ogoh-ogoh demons in Balinese culture will parade throughout the villages in music and are burnt in the evening to purify Balinese people.
 
PLEASE ALSO SEE MY OTHER ITEMS LISTED. I HAVE ANOTHER BALI MALE SHUSH MASK ALSO ON AUCTION THIS WEEK.
COPY THE URL UNDERNEATH AND PASTE INTO GOOGLE AND IT WILL TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO ALL MY LISTINGS THIS WEEK. NOTE ALL MY AUCTIONS END AT 22H30 SO IT IS ADVISABLE TO PUT IN AN AUTOMATIC BID (HIGHEST PRICE YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY) EARLY.
https://www.bidorbuy.co.za/seller/3685641/ErnRex1545