Featured Unusual Bali carving (mask)

Well at least unusual to me, and not really a mask, since there are no eye holes, and a bit smaller than traditional bali carved masks. I have several of the traditional carved and painted masks, but have never seen anything like this one. I was impressed by the use of the figuring in the wood to embellish the design (notice eyeball, cheeks, chin, hair, ..). So @Any Jewelry , (and of course anyone else who knows), can you tell me what I have, and whether this is a one off or fits in a tradition?

 

I don't think that fits into any tradition.....just a newer funky tourist carving...imo..

 

No idea but I think it's really interesting!

 

Same here.
The most unusual thing is that it is signed at all; but rather than the signature of a maker, it is possible that is the name of the person who bought it.

 

maybe A J would recognize the wood type....

 

Also noting that Mawi is the name of a particular beach in Bali; so it may indicate the location purchased rather than the carver.
The wood grain looks a lot like spalting, a marking caused in fallen wood by a fungus. If it had been made in the USA I'd likely guess it to be spalted birch or spalted alder.
Mawi beach:

 

Good artistic quality and nice use of the wood, but too new for me.
The interesting thing is that it is carved by a woman, indicated by the word Ni. For a man it would be I. (Pronounced as Nee and Ee).

The terms Ni and I are used for commoners, the aristocracy uses different terms.

 

Forgot to say, Balinese art is not tribal.

 

I knew it was newish, but wondered if this style of carving, using wood to determine design (as done with some Chinese stone carving) was a “thing” or not. I’m guessing you haven’t seen this before?

Not surprising it was done by a “commoner”, I’m guessing the aristocracy isn’t carving much wood

But I’m confused, is Ni the generic name for all women, or the first or last name of a particular woman, in which case there could be others carved by her?

Or could “Ni Mawi” be a first and last name of some female carver, rather than the name of a beach?

 

Well yeah, but for better or worse, the limited categories on the forum means that this is the category where most of the Indonesian art shows up. I’m just following the herd

 

Did a bit of googling, and this wood may be “grey hibiscus”?
Like this Bali carving:

 

Can't help with the wood, but it's very cute!

 

I have, but I haven't done any research into the more recent styles.

The aristocracy is carving a lot of wood, as is the priestly caste.

It is. For instance there used to be a female Javanese keris smith who was called Ni Sombro.

I'm sure there are, but that doesn't depend on whether the carver is a Mr or a Mrs.

Ni is the title, Mawi the name of a location and a person. Just like Washington is, or Lincoln.

If the colour is as yellow as in your photos, it isn't hibiscus wood.

 

Well, I try to take pics outside, but we had close to a foot of snow so I took this inside. Using old yellowed fluorescent bulbs in this room because my wife doesn't like the new LED ones I bought (hey - it's the kitchen - whatever she wants!). So indeed, less yellow in real life.