An extraordinary "Kepeng Lamak" from Bali, Indonesia, circa early 20th century. Lamak is a general term for temple hangings, mostly made of disposable materials like palm leaves for temporary offerings. A small number, such as this piece, were made by wealthy and aristocratic families for permanent display. The lamaks are traditionally displayed in temples or residents for a strong spiritual reason in Bali that is known as "Artja". They could function as receptacles, or a vessels of for the habitation of the deities when they descent to the earth on propitious occasions.
In a goddess form with a carved wood head adorned with painted face and mirrored crown who likely represents Dewi Danu, the water goddess, this lamak was constructed with a bamboo frame, cotton pompoms, fabric fragments...
Category
Early 20th Century Indonesian Other Sculptures and Carvings