Masks Representing Myths of ASEAN Countries

Discover hidden charms of ASEAN countries' mask dramas through 2023 collaborative exhibition of KF ASEAN Culture House and UNESCO ICHCAP

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Alternative Identities: Masks of ASEAN and Korea (2023)ICHCAP

Jointly held by KF ASEAN Culture House and UNESCO ICHCAP, the exhibition Alternative Identities: Masks of ASEAN and Korea introduces "other faces" created under the theme of “Mask”, the cultural heritage of humanity.

The masks of Korea and ASEAN, which encompass the accumulated aesthetic sense and techniques of handicrafts in each region, can be said to reflect aesthetic traditions in different epochs of each country.

This story is about the 2nd section of the exhibition, Alternative Identities: Masks of ASEAN and Korea. Explore section 1 of the exhibition here.

Alternative Identities: Masks of ASEAN and Korea_09 (2023)ICHCAP

Section 2. Representation of Myth

This section illuminates the charms of ASEAN mask dramas, which recreate myths and the historical values that permeate them. ASEAN mask dramas are a total art, the synthesis of masks, costumes, music, and dance, mainly telling folk tales or historical narratives. 

Alternative Identities: Masks of ASEAN and Korea_09 (2023)ICHCAP

In particular, ASEAN countries such as Cambodia and Thailand have developed dance drama, mask drama, and also shadow puppetry by dramatizing the Hindu epic Ramayana from ancient India. 

Not only do ASEAN mask dramas show the diversity and artistic creativity of ASEAN culture but they also play an important role as a medium of cultural exchange.

Mukh Krung Reap (The mask of Krung Reap) (2023) by An TolaICHCAP

Lkhon Khol Wat Svay Andet

Lkhon Khol Wat Svay Andet is practiced in one community surrounding a Buddhist monastery. 

Mukh Hanuman (Hanuman Mask) (2023) by An TolaICHCAP

The art portrays episodes from Reamker, a Cambodian version of the Indian Ramayana.

Makot Kampul Sruoch (Conical Headdress) (2023) by Kiev ChanthaICHCAP

The purpose of the performance is to honor and seek the favor of the Neak Ta, the guardian spirits of a place and its people, with the intention of protecting the community, promoting prosperity, and ensuring a fruitful harvest.

Khon

Khon is a performing art that combines musical, vocal, literary, dance, ritual, and handicraft elements, traditionally transmitted in royal or princely courts, and in dance masters’ households. It tells the story of Ramakien—the localized Thai version of the Ramayana epic.

Narai, Sak Suebsin, 2022, From the collection of: ICHCAP
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Intorachit (Indrajit), Nattapong Sanitboon, 2022, From the collection of: ICHCAP
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Tossakanth, Pipatpong Kiewman, 2022, From the collection of: ICHCAP
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Hanuman, Pipatpong Kiewman, 2022, From the collection of: ICHCAP
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Topeng NagaICHCAP

Topeng

Topeng is a representative masked dance drama performed and transmitted in Java and Bali, and tells traditional stories about legendary kings, heroes, and myths. 

Topeng CelulukICHCAP

Using masks, Topeng actors transform into mythical beings such as a king, devil, a supernatural hero, or a god. Topeng is a term that refers to a 'wooden mask' handcrafted from wood, adorned with painted details, hair, and jewelry.

Topeng Sidhakarya, From the collection of: ICHCAP
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Topeng Bondres Cungih, From the collection of: ICHCAP
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Topeng Bondres Bues, From the collection of: ICHCAP
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Topeng Gajah, From the collection of: ICHCAP
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Topeng KerasICHCAP

Balinese Topeng

The Balinese Topeng tradition, originating from Java in the 17th century, showcases not only the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata but also the Chronicle of Kings (Badad Dalem). This chronicle represents the early history of Balinese and Javanese kingships.

Topeng Arsa Wijaya (Dalem), From the collection of: ICHCAP
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Topeng Hanoman, From the collection of: ICHCAP
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Topeng Nila, From the collection of: ICHCAP
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Kaleng for Topeng (Indonesia)ICHCAP

Javanese Topeng

The Javanese Topeng tradition has been performed since ancient times, specifically portraying the Tales of Panji. These performances depict the adventures and love stories of the protagonist in the Panji tales. 

Tembem for Topeng (Indonesia)ICHCAP

Panji, a prince from the Kadri Kingdom in the 12th century, embarks on a quest to find his bride, Princess Chandra Kirana, who mysteriously disappears on the eve of their wedding.

Penthul for Topeng (Indonesia), From the collection of: ICHCAP
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Gunungsari for Topeng (Indonesia), From the collection of: ICHCAP
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Panji for Topeng (Indonesia), From the collection of: ICHCAP
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Candra kirana (also known as Sekartaji) for Topeng (Indonesia), From the collection of: ICHCAP
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Continue to explore more about ASEAN masks here in section 3 and 4. Learn about Talchum, the Korean mask dance, here in section 5 of the exhibition.

Credits: Story

2023 Collaborative Exhibition
Alternative Identities: Masks of ASEAN and Korea (April 26, 2023 - July 23, 2023)
 
Organized by: Korea Foundation ASEAN Culture House; UNESCO ICHCAP
Sponsored by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Cultural Heritage Administration; International Mask Arts & Culture Organization
Cooperation: Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia; Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Cambodia; Center for Research and Promotion of Cultural Heritage in Viet Nam; Thammasat University in Thailand

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.