Silence is Golden Batik Mask

Holding a finger to his lips, a man from Java pleads for silence as a handsome mask from Diana Dewi. The hand-carved pule wood mask is sculpted with elaborate detail and lavishly decorated with batik techniques featuring traditional patterns. The base is adorned with the legendary lok chan pattern, which dates back to the days of the Ming Dynasty.

A symbol of the relationship between Java and China, lok chan resembles a florid motif, but in fact reveals a phoenix in the red petals, and is not always easily identified. The face is adorned with the parang or dagger motif which symbolizes being alert and on guard, and it used to be reserved for the sultan's use only. The mask is designed to stand on a surface.

Batik techniques are applied by hand which may result in slight differences in color hues and motif placement.

• Fair Trade is so much more than a product assortment. It's about safe workplaces, fair wages and investments in the community
• Pule wood
• This is a unique handcrafted item. Color, size and/or motif may slightly vary. 
• 9.5" H x 5" W x 2.4" D
• Shipped from Montreal

Meet the artisan ...

"It doesn't matter how big or difficult the challenge is, what matters is how we take care of it, get up, and survive."

"I was born in Banjarnegoro, a plateau in Central Java with an awesome scenery that includes villages, farms, and craters. My parents were elementary school teachers who cared and loved me. I left my parents' home to go to high school and then when I went to university in Jogjakarta. Then I found a new way of thinking, a new community, and a new activity that lead me to a world that I really love: handcrafts.... read more