Close up view of Balinese masked dancer enacting Old Man

Close up view of Balinese masked dancer enacting Old Man

A close up view shows a Balinese masked dancer enacting the Old Man character.

The dancer's left hand is held out forward with his thumb and forefinger bent inward. The dancer's face mask is carved with a wrinkled forehead, staring eyes, and a large moustache. The collar of his cape is covered with sequins and fringe, and a sword is mounted in back of his right shoulder.

Masked dances have existed for over a thousand years in Java and Bali. With their faces covered by a mask, the dancers must convey all the character's feelings without the help of facial expressions.

Masked dances featuring the Old Man are favored in Bali. Although frail with age, through dance, the character remembers and enacts a time in the past when he had more energy and vigor.