Tracking down the Traditional Mask of South Kalimantan

by Sunarningsih

Abstract

"Unshield thyself from thy mask" is probably a common phrase used to expose people from the mask of hypocrisy. On the other hand a mask is an expressive art of a society that may indicate a process of acculturation between two cultures or more. The existence of the art of mask can be traced chronologically by the influence of Javanese culture in South Kalimantan. In regard to Hikajat Bandjar, it is assumed that this specific art is developed simultaneously with the art of puppet shadow and classical theatre originated from Java. The elements from the Panji Epic from approximately the 11th-13th Century that originated in East Java are noticeable on the quality of the mask produced by the Banjarese. This evidence signifies the occurance of a cultural interaction between the Banjarese and the Javanese. Hypothetically, the acculturation further indicates influences of ancient elements from the Classical Javanese period between 8th and 15th Century. Beyond the 16th Century the characteristics of art and dance of mask in South Kalimantan has been preserved, developed and enriched with additional Islamic accounts.

(Source: Naditira Widya Nomor 14, Oktober 2005:64-79; ISSN 1410-0932)