Two mythical figures are ever-present in Bali: the Barong, protector against evil forces and portrayed playfully as a creature with big eyes, clacking jaws and layers of fur; and Rangda, the much-feared though respected witch-widow queen of black magic, with aggressive bulging eyes, large tusks, matted hair, a long tongue and entrails dangling out.
Both Barong and Rangda are imbued with a strong aura of magic: old and authentic masks that bear holy inscriptions are consecrated through a set of rituals, and kept in village temples where they are revered as patron spirits.
The relationship and mythology of Barong and Rangda are complex: one destroys and the other protects; and neither one triumphs over the other permanently, but out of the chaos, balance and order is restored.
The Barong
Weighing up to 40kg, the Barong has bulging eyes, large ears, and a headdress of gilt leather and shining pieces of mirror. Its hairy body is ornamented with long leaves and colourful feathers up to its upright tail, and glimmers when the Barong moves. Two male dancers control the Barong: - the forward dancer supports and moves the head and jaws, while the dancer behind supports and moves in coordination. Their movements have to be completely in sync in order to perform its fast turns and leaps.
As the protector against evil and host of all good forces, the Barong’s presence has always been seen as auspicious. Come experience the blessing of the Barong at the festival opening of A Tapestry of Sacred Music 2024.
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