Celuluk Mask

A rare vintage Celuluk Mask, circa 1993, by the renowned Balinese mask carver Wayan Tangguh of Singapadu (20 x 20 cm. plus scalp and hair).  Carved in Pule Wood and painted with natural pigments mixed with ground bone, it features a leather scalp that fits over the dancer’s head, an articulated jaw, cotton wool, monkey-fur facial hair, and horse and goat hair.

Celuluk is a bald Leyak, or Witch, who is more foolish than fearful. Her open eyes and articulated jaw allows the dance/drama performer to convey a wide variety of expressions, from frightening to frightened.   In addition to the time taken to carve and paint this Celuluk mask, the laborious plaiting of goat and horsehair into long strands took at least two weeks. 

This incredible mask was personally commissioned and made for us by Wayan Tangguh, who signed it inside.  A unique mask in excellent unworn museum-quality condition, and very collectable!