2 Barong Masks (for Richard) by anahata.c
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Description
Ok.
These wild and scary dudes are Barong masks, from Indonesia. Richard (Richardphotos) told me he had a Barong shirt, so I wanted to show him a couple of my Barong masks (I'm not sure if his shirt has these guys on it), so here they are Richard! They're a delight, aren't they!
Actually, they represent a spirit/king who scares away evil spirits. They come with huge tufts of hair and sometimes whole costumes: They're quite imposing.
Some people ask: "Why would any culture create such fearsome creatures???"
Well, look at it this way: If we put our agressions into art---and I think this style is truly beautiful---instead of into physical aggression, we'd be much better off. There's wisdom to these masks.
……..
Oh---on a more trivial note: I had to move them to get decent light!
The first one is on a towel with a shoe brush and cedar ring. (I was too lazy to move them...there's dedication for ya! though I have no room here!)
And the second one---I call him "benjy"---is next to a computer box and a shirt. (That green thing is my shirt---it's NOT an artifact.) When you wake up to one of these masks, trust me: You wake up...
Thanks for your wonderful visits and comments, I appreciate them all. Have a wonderful weekend! m
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Comments (9)
JohnnyM
Both masks look amazing and sure to bring a smile to Richard upon seeing them! Have a great day Mark! :-)
eekdog
if i saw someone coming up to me in this mask i would run like a sissy screaming. love the masks, they are so cool but scary in the same breath. excellent capture my friend.
bakapo
Call me weird, but I don't find these masks scary, I find them fun; they look like they are laughing. Their eyes/eyebrows are up so they aren't mean, they are happy. Good thing I'm not an evil spirit, :) Seriously, these are super cool! I love the detail on them both.
goldie
The masks are marvelous. They don't look scary to me, in fact, they look more surprised than angry. They are quite small too. You certainly have an outstanding collection of indigenous artifacts--I'm most envious. Thanks for sharing. Oh, by the way an artifact is something made by humans, such as your shirt :)
donnena
woot!!!! I love these masks. they seem happy to me, too!! Great fun!!!
RodS Online Now!
This is just too awesome, Mark - and a great dedication to Richard! He takes us along on so many photo trips, it's wonderful!
These guys have to be pretty scary looking to scare away the bad spirits, I'm thinking... A bouquet of roses just ain't gonna do the trick, there... 😆
Great job on photographing these fine fellows, Mark! You could almost make a sign out of that top one... "Get your shoes shined, and evil spirits exorcised all for one low, low price! Hurry, this offer won't last long!"
OK.... I've had way too much coffee today....
Wolfenshire
I think we need to start mass-producing these guys, there's been a lot of bad spirits floating around for the last couple years.
goodoleboy
Ouch! Now that's what I call scary! A nice collection of highly rendered artifacts, including scales, you have there, including the shoe brush. The bottom mask has vampire teeth. These remind me of the masks that native shamans and witch doctors wear to frighten off evil spirits, but these are much more professional in essence.
Radar_rad-dude
I believe my eyes would blink right back shut were I to awake to one of these in my face, to say nothing of the possible 'wet stain' in my bed! LOL! Marvelous photos of these masks. I agree, if our aggressive human tendencies were directed more creatively rather than the senseless violence we are currently experiencing on a run-away course, all of humanity could benefit from the change in form an function and perhaps we might evolve in a positive direction. Many fine praises on these captures! Very well done!