Close Window

Wood mask, 'Garuda with Egg'

Garuda escapes the underworld with the elixir of life in his beak in this extraordinary mask by the talented Wayan Gandung. An admirer of Balinese tradition and folklore, Gandung carves the image from albesia wood, carefully detailing and adorning the mask with acrylic paints. The fierce-looking bird is known to have a brave and loyal heart which is why the Balinese revere this Hindu character so. Welcome Garuda, the “Bird of Life,” into a refined setting.

It is said that Garuda has the face of an eagle and the body of a human, and when he spreads his wings he fully darkens the sky. The story goes that Garuda was once enslaved by two gargantuan underworld serpents called Nagas, When he broke free he took the magical elixir of life, called tirtha amertha which he found in a secret place guarded by the Nagas. Garuda flew directly to the heavens, and the Gods became so impressed with his feat they gave him the gift of immortality. He became Vishnu’s steed, transporting the beloved deity between heaven and earth. Garuda's image is now very much revered in Bali, and frequently appears atop cremation towers in the belief he will transport the deceased’s soul to the Gods.

This mask features detachable parts.