|
The people of Bali, Indonesia, perform numerous traditional dances. The
dance most popular with tourists is the Barong & Rangda, a battle between
good and evil. Barong is a strange creature, part shaggy dog, part lion,
propelled like a circus horse by two dancers and the symbol of all things
good. Barong wears a wooden mask like a large animal head ,beautifully
carved and brightly coloured in red, white, black and gold. It is topped by
a crown extending outwards to the sides of the head. The widow-witch Rangda
is the queen of death and devourer of children. She practices the
destructive forces of black magic and all things evil. Her mask is dark and
foreboding, with a protruding red and gold tongue of fire. Of course Barong
always triumphs over evil Rangda and saves all the unfortunate beings from
stabbing themselves to death! |
