Use the links above to see more photos.

Balinese topeng are powerful. They don't just cover the face but they attract the spirit of the person to be portrayed. This allows the mask to "speak". Bali has long been famed for its masked dance performances. There are two types. Those that are based on the Ramayana and Mahabarata epics of India, and those with a more local storyline that involve fabled heroes and myths. Topeng Tua, pictured here, is one of my favorites. He's an old man who jokes and draws out the audience.

Mas is a small village just south of Ubud and it's famous for wood carving in general but mask making in particular.

Click HERE to see a few more masks.