Hand Carved Wooden Mask

This is a mid to late 19th century handmade, hand painted Indonesian Javanese Cakil Mask made for the Topeng Dance Drama and the Wayang Wong Dance Drama. This mask represents a character known as Cakil, a crab- like demon with a gigantic jaw, who represents persistent greed. It is used in both the Topeng and Wayang Wong. The Topeng dance drama of the island of Java centers around the political history of the region and are called Babad Dalem (Chronicles of the Kings) or Raket. The most popular story centers around the national hero Panji, whose consort Dewi Chandrakirana is abducted by the powerful King Klana Sewandana of Bantarangin. The Wayang Wong dance drama retell parts of the Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These epics revolve around the god Rama and his battle with the demon king Ravana, who has abducted Rama's wife, Sita. In the end, Rama retrieves her with the help of the wily monkey god, Hanuman. This mask is expertly designed with a hinged mouth. Made with hand carved wood and animal hide.