Panji masks are hand-carved polychrome masks intended for the traditional dramatic dance from Java known as Wayang Topeng.

The dance features performers wearing topeng [masks] and dressed in elaborate costumes, who interpret traditional stories derived from traditional fables, tales of heroes and villains and myths. Wayang Topeng performances are accompanied by gamelan music.

Panji masks may represent Panji, the prince of East Java whose life story has provided inspiration for literature and drama throughout modern day Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand. The story is not as famous, however, as the Ramayana and Mahabarata, which were adopted from India.

As panji mask performances are rarely held nowadays, the masks are often part of collections or are used as decorations or for the study of art. There are few craftspeople who continue to make the masks, as they have changed professions to become farmers or traders.

Narimo is the only surviving artist still working in Central Java. At his studio — located in Jetis, Polokarto, Sukoharjo — Narimo makes masks representing various characters, such as Panji Asmara Bangun [Inu Kertapati], Dewi Sekartaji [Galuh Candra Kirana], Klana Swandana, Dewi Kili Suci, Batara Indra and Penthul Tembem.

Besides selling the masks at his local market, Narimo exports the products to Japan, the US, China, South Korea, Germany and India. The masks sell for between Rp 350,000 [US$27] and Rp 20,000,000, depending on the materials used and the level of complexity.

JP/ Ganug Nugroho Adi