Barong Mask - Bali, Indonesia

The Barong is a powerful, protective, spirit, whose origin dates far back in time to ancient animism practised before the advent of Hinduism in Bali. Most Barong figures are animals, the most famous of which is the Barong Ket, a combination of a lion and tiger. The roles of the Barong Ket and other animal Barongs are performed by two people, one wearing the mask and the other wearing the costume. The other type of Barong are the Barong Landung, giant puppets, wearing masks and manipulated by a single performer.

The origin of the Barongs is obscure, but the generally accepted theory is that they are derived from animal spirits, chosen by societies who seek their protection. The people of these societies may believe that their ancestors were certain animals, or may believe that an animal was aided by their ancestors, and in order to repay the debt, the animal has agreed to protect succeeding generations.

The function of the Barong characters is to guard the borders of the village, and detect and drive out demons at certain auspicious times. A lively procession, replete with gamelan orchestra and the people of the community, bedecked in their finest traditional dress, drives away the evil spirits, often culminating at the sea, which is believed to be the home of the bhutas and kalas or low spirits. The barong mask and the costume also appears on Hindu temple altars during temple festivals where they are heaped high with offerings and incense and worshipped by the villagers.