Curious

Hi there. My wife and I have been given a couple of masks which we know nothing about. My aunt says they are very old and came back with my uncle on his travels in the navy. We’re curious where they came from and if anyone know anything about this type of thing.

 

Hi please post photos here of the item(s) front, back and sides so perhaps those in the know can help you. Also give measurements.

 

Hi, Richard! You'll have to post photographs here to get assistance with identifying. Someone will be along shortly with instructions about how to do so.

Debora

 

Great minds!

Debora

 

Looks like Richard posted several pics in the Media Gallery.

@Richard Bray You can embed your gallery pictures into a post in this thread by using the little camera icon in the toolbar above the post box.

 

I'm thinking Java as a likely place of origin, but others know more about that area than I do.

 

Bali dance masks........imo

@Any Jewelry

 

@i need help ...... please move to Tribal

 

Any images posted to these sites MUST be under 1 MB each....I've reduced them for you this time and posting below.....I wasn't positive which mask the back side goes with so guessed at it:





​

 

They are both Javanese dance masks.
The crest is that of the Sultan of Yogyakarta, in Central Java. This particular crest, based on a Persian one, was created in the 1930s, so that mask is post 1930. I'm sure the other one is too.

Java often has a more refined and elegant style than Bali.
For centuries Central Javanese culture in particular, focused on being genteel, as opposed to the Balinese who were considered crude by the C Javanese. Traditionally, anyone who is not from Central Java is considered rough and crude, and further away from their centre of civilisation means more uncivilised. Of course modern times have changed these views (somewhat).

 

why. would the sultans crest be carved into those masks ???
did they come from his household?

 

I was wondering the same thing. It suggests that it is a kraton mask or palace mask, worn during special dances at the kraton or palace. But I couldn't say for sure.

The palace grounds are like a town inside the city of Yogyakarta, and there are also artist's studios and shops there. I don't know if they are allowed to use the Sultan's crest though.

I think there used to be a website for the kraton, but it could have been the one in Surakarta.
@Richard Bray , maybe if you google 'Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat', you will be able to find contact info, so you could ask about your mask.

There is also this Yogya tourism website, but I don't know if they can be of help:
https://visitingjogja.jogjaprov.go.id/en/

 

The one with the crest portrays a prince btw. The red colour means he can be hotheaded, as do the bulging eyes. The white mask is much more tranquil.

This is what a similar red mask looks like in a dance:

 

I hope @Richard Bray wont mind if I piggyback on this thread and add this mask into the discussion. This must be a different crest. I'd welcome any thoughts about this one.

 

Hey...where'd that come from????

 

That's mine. Had it for years. I bought it in a local 'import' store.

 

I suddenly remembered, you can tell which sultan it is by the number of end feathers in a single wing. So yours is the crest of Hamengkubuwana VIII, who reigned from 1921-1939.
I couldn't say if it is of the period or whether there is a kraton connection. Anyway, this is he:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamengkubuwono_VIII

Richard's crest is of Hamengkubuwana VII, who reigned from 1877-1921. The crest can't be right, because as far as I know it was created in the 30s.

I have a book which has the story of the crest, I'll see if I can find it. I could be wrong about the period of the introduction of the modern crest.
Again, I don't know if it is of the period or if there is a kraton connetion.
Hamengkubuwana VII:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamengkubuwono_VII

 

Wonderful! Thank you so much for the information-- it's always so interesting.

 

Thank you for your replies I’ve found this really interesting. My aunt has asked to find out about them as her husband died earlier last year and find out if they hold any value.

 

well now you have enuf information to search what these can sell for !