MASK OF MALANG

Mask (topeng) as a product of fine arts is not only used as decoration, but also as the equipment of dance and theatre in some performances. In Malang, to be exact in the Kedung Monggo village, Pakisaji sub-distric and in the Jabung village, Tumpang sub-distric, lots of Topeng are made to use for the performance of an opera or “wayang topeng”.

The mask of Malang has special characteristics, such as their thick wood of randu wood or “cangkring”, which is rather dark in colour, with a carving on the forehead which is specially bulging, fashioned with a square chin and high cheek- bones.

Some mask needs some ritual to make the carving mask has a magic power.

Decoratively, Malang masks are unique. They are different from any other mask art found in Java. There are five typical colurs used to deco rate the masks. The red colour symbolizes courage, the black colour symbolizes determined ambitions, the yellow colour symbolizes wisdom, the white colour indicates purified character and the green colour indicates peace.

The form of its throne and the expression of the mask especially the construction of “gelung” and “janang” and the eyes are not far different with the thrones of wayang on the relief of Jajagu temple. This is not surprising since the Jabung is located near Jajagu temple.

List of vocabularies:

Ø  Mask                : Topeng

Ø  Dance              : Tarian

Ø  Randu wood    : Pohon randu

Ø  Symbolize        : Simbol

Ø  Jajagu Temple  : Kuil Jajagu

Ø  Typical             : Jenis

Ø  Relief               : Bentuk

Exercise:
After you read the text above please answer the question below! 

1.          What is the main purpose of the first paragraph?

2.         What is the ‘Cangkring’ means?

3.         What is the special characteristics of mask of malang?

4.           What makes the Malang masks are different than other mask?