Lot 60B
Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Bali, ca. 19th century CE. A skillfully carved depiction of the mythical Balinese figure Rangda, the terrifying demon queen of the Leyaks believed to champion an army of evil witches against the Barong forces of good. Rangda is also feared for her practice of devouring children; note the trio of skulls on her pectoral and the additional trio of skulls suspended from her belt as well as the unfortunate struggling child she holds in her right hand. The traditional Barong dance drama depicts the incessant battle between Barong and Rangda, a metaphorical struggle between good and evil. Rangda is typically depicted as a mostly nude elderly woman, with long unruly tresses, pendulous breasts, as well as creature-like features such as claws. Her visage, as we see in this example, is traditionally quite horrifying with fangs, a protruding tongue, and bulging eyes. A wonderful sculpture with nice remains of red pigment and gold leaf. Size: 7" W x 18.125" H (17.8 cm x 46 cm)
The child in Rangda's arms suggests the story of Calon Arang, as Rangda is also known as the Leyak queen, who is an incarnation of Calon Arong, the witch who stirred up quite a bit of trouble in ancient Java during Airlangga's reign in the late 10th century CE. According to the story, Calon Arong was a widow who practiced black magic and oftentimes ruined farmers' crops with disease and blight. Though her daughter was beautiful, she failed to attract any suitors, because they feared her mother. Angered by this, Calon Arong took revenge by kidnapping a young girl (perhaps the girl depicted in this figure's arms). Intending to sacrifice the girl to the goddess Durga, Calon Arong took her to a temple of Death. The following day, a massive flood killed many people. Having heard of this, King Airlangga asked his advisor, Empu Bharada, to address this. Bharada then presented his disciple named Empu Bahula to marry Ratna. The marriage was celebrated with a seven day and seven night feast, and the village's situation was restored to one of normalcy. One day, however, Calon Arang's book of magic incantations was found by Empu Bahula who gave it to Empu Bharada. Upon learning that her book had been stolen, Calon Arang grew immensely angry and incited a fight with Empu Bharada. The battle resulted in the defeat of Calon Arang who no longer benefited from the support of Durga. The village was finally safe from Calon Arang's wrath and black magic.
Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico collection
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#122448
- Condition: Age cracks to wavy coiffure and cloud-like form Rangda stands upon. Surface fissures to forehead and belly. A few minor losses to hair, cloud, and toes on right foot. Minor surface wear with losses to pigment.
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