Bangli, Peace and Harmony

AA Gede Dharma Agung : Special Mask Carver

Bangli mask carver, Anak Agung Gede Dharma Agung, is a specialist mask carver from a noble family skilled in carving from generation to generation in Bangli. He was born 50 years ago in the palace quarters of Puri Bangli. He has inherited his skill of carving from his ancestors. His great-great grand parents were famous artists in carving.

Mr. Dharma Agung is capable of carving all kinds of works used to perform mask dances starting from the topeng keras, topeng tua (depicting old man), topeng arsa wijaya, female mask (used by a woman), and other masks used in sacred dances. He began to love the art when he was still a young man, and it was not difficult for to find a teacher due to his strong desire to become a master topeng carver.
He started off doing the easiest work of carving, but due to his natural skill and concentration, he soon found his vocation as a specialist in making masks. Acknowledgements of his ability came in large numbers from various social quarters, and naturally enough orders flooded in from community members wishing to collect, to re-sell, and use the works of art.
Mask artists have often won leading positions and merits in various contests such as the annual Bali Arts Festival, while many people search out Dharma Agung’s works. A topeng mask by him is worth between Rp 300,000 - Rp 400,000.
His high-ranking position among artists is due to his taksu, the spiritual power he gained during a mid-night meditation on the eve of producing a quality mask. The taksu inner power spiritually guides him to carve out a successful mask, according to the design plan, especially if he is working on sacred objects. (Suka)