Monumental Balinese Topeng Mask Dewi Sinta – Pule Wood & Gold Leaf – ca. 1950

The Spiritual Meaning: Prosperity and Harmony

This monumental, hand-carved Balinese theater mask embodies the divine essence of Dewi Sinta (Sita). Within the spiritual tradition, Sinta not only symbolizes unwavering strength, but is above all the bringer of prosperity, deep harmony, and happiness in the living space.

As a centerpiece in an interior, this soulful mask acts as a powerful protector of the family and domestic peace. Her serene, meditative smile and radiant Prada gold plating are specifically designed to generate a flow of positive energy, tranquility, and abundance. This makes the object an extremely powerful symbol for anyone seeking spiritual balance and prosperity in daily life.

Forensic Audit & Material Study

• Sacred Pule Wood (Alstonia scholaris): The mask is handcrafted from the ritually harvested wood of the Pule tree. This wood is considered spirited in Bali and, traditionally, may only be felled after specific offerings at the cemetery (Setra). It offers the perfect balance between spiritual protection and a feather-light weight for the dancer.
• Traditional Prada Gilding: The face and the tiara are embellished with original Prada leaf gilding. This gold powder is fixed using a natural fish glue (Ancur) over a deep red base of traditional cinnabar pigment. The magnificent, natural wear and tear and the craquelé on the friction points prove its vintage age.
• Functional Topeng Design: The inside is deeply and ergonomically carved, featuring the characteristic horizontal viewing slits under the eyelids. This confirms its active functionality as a dance mask within the Topeng tradition.

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Irrefutable Origin & Patina (Provenance)

The back of this mask tells the true story of its history. The inside displays an intense, deep dark discoloration of the wood. This is an organic, non-strewn wear patina built up by the penetration of skin oils, perspiration, and decades of exposure to temple soot and incense during ceremonial performances.

Additionally, the reverse side bears witness to a rich European collecting history: it bears the handwritten, early inventory number 4128 and a historical paper label with the handwritten note "Mars", indicating the deconstruction of an old, high-quality private collection.

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Technical Specifications

• Culture: Bali, Indonesia
• Character: Dewi Sinta (Ramayana)
• Dating: Mid 20th century (ca. 1940–1960)
• Dimensions: Height 43.5 cm × Width 30 cm (Monumental centerpiece)
• Condition: Excellent, weathered ritual condition with beautiful age patina and authentic wear of the gold plating.

Each object is examined before it is offered: material, casting or carving technique, surface, and signs of age are compared with documented references. You will receive a certificate of authenticity and an official invoice detailing the period, material, and available provenance.

How we verify authenticity

Fully insured worldwide shipping in museum-quality packaging. Returns are sent to our Dutch address and you have a 14-day cooling-off period.

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