Unmasking the Lives of the Ancient Indonesians

Masks are generally worn as a disguise or to be frightening. There are an almost limitless variations in traditional masks. Varieties include those that people wear to conceal an element of themselves that they don't want to share with the outside world. There are also literal masks, the kind that people wear to costume parties, or the masks worn by children for Halloween.

If one were to explore the original nature of masks, that person would undoubtedly discover that they weren't always meant to frighten. Although masks from some ancient cultures may appear frightening to some, by in large, they were part of cultural traditions that were meant to tell stories and entertain.

So was true with the masks of the ancient cultures of the Indonesian Archipelago. Indonesian wooden masks are only one category of a vast array of originally crafted cultural works of art offered for sale by Dewi Artisans International a company that was inspired by Dewi Sianturi (Dewi means 'Goddess'), who is a member of the Toba Batak tribe in North Sumatra, Indonesia.  

Dewi Artisans International specializes in hand-made products that will greatly enhance the decor in any living room, bedroom, kitchen, hallway, or office.

Most of the items designed by these Far-East artisans sell throughout Southeast Asia and are made from some of the most beautiful and rare materials. Entirely hand-carved from wood native to the region or from water buffalo leather and hand-dyed painted, these beautiful creations speak to the ancient Javanese philosophies of life.

The artisans' handiwork can be separated in different categories, such as masks, shadow puppets, decorative containers, mirrors, in addition to home and office decor.

Three particular pieces of interest are provided here:

 

Indonesian Wooden Masks

Indonesian wooden masks: An elegant item for wall decor, the Topeng Dance Masks are hand-carved, hand-dyed painted creations that possess a nearly velvet-like texture over their entire surface. One of these will certainly add a sense of beauty and mystery to any number of rooms in a home or business office.

 

Wayang Topeng Mask

Wayang Topeng mask: Today, these masks are primarily used to decorate walls in different kinds of rooms. However, their intricate, hand-carved, and hand-dyed painted beauty speak to a long-ago time when Indonesian cultural dances told the tales of heroes, real-life kings, and noblemen. These masks were once part of much more ornate costumes and now stand alone as beautiful works of art.

 

Asian Jewelry Box

Asian jewelry box: The shadow puppet shows of the ancient Indonesian and Javanese cultures are at the heart of the design of this beautifully crafted piece. This jewelry box is made with Phenolic Resin and elaborately painted in a mix of shapes, patterns, and colors. This item both conveys a sense of a time when the theatre performances of Far Eastern cultures could last for hours or even days and is practical enough for safekeeping jewelry or other items of personal value. Its complex yet pure beauty allows it to blend seamlessly with similar works of art or as a stand-alone piece.

Home and office decor and personal cosmetic items always tend to reflect the personality of the owner. A taste for ancient historical art is an impressive yet subtle way in which to have a particular idea complement one's surroundings or belongings. Dewi Artisans International can help accentuate that specific theme or look and satisfy the desire for a unique, originally crafted, one-of-a-kind item. The quality and integrity of the artisans' work are guaranteed. Dewi Artisans International comes highly recommended for those seeking to add culture and history to their homes.