Ramayana
Indonesia-Bali-Gianyar, mid-20th century
(L x W x D) : 19,8x21,2x12,6 (hors coiffe / cap off) - 9,3x16,7 cm
Pule wood, Natural pigments
Gold leaf, Sekartji (mirrors, stones, cow skin)
This main evil character of the Wayang Wong, Ravana, « the one who makes one scream with pain », is dictator king of the Kingdom of Lanka, the one who abducts and hold
Sita prisoner. He appears to be more ferocious than Death itself, a large scar accross his chest being the mark of defensive Airavata, Indra’s elephant. Its body is covered with wounds he accumulates in his countless combats with the Gods. In his kingdom, he is free to do whatever takes his fancy and all his subjects are just there to serve him. Eyes coming out of their socket, blood red lips and his provocative and thunderous laugh combined with his sharp fangs ooze his insatiable need for bloody fights. He ends up killed by
Rama’s arrows, during the final combat of the Ramayana.