A sense of ancient meaning emanates from the intricate features of this mask, hand-carved by the talented Ketut Widana. He represents Rama, the hero of the Hindu religion's famed Ramayana epic. The image is patiently rendered in albesia wood, as varied grain tones subtly contrast artistic symmetry. In the Ramayana epic Sita, Rama?s wife, is kidnapped by Rahwana, a gigantic ogre king. With the help of Hanuman the monkey general, Rama rescues Sita from Rahwana?s island kingdom; however he questions his beloved?s virginity. To demonstrate her faithfulness, Sita throws herself onto the fire, proving she is still a virgin when the fire doesn?t burn her.
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