Balinese Barong Tiger Cat Offering Box Singa Macan Keropak Polychrome Hand Carved Cempaka Wood Bali Temple Folk Art Orange Tiger stripes 22"

Vintage Singa Macan Tiger Old Temple Offering Box called a keropak from Bali in the form of Singa the lion. Finely hand carved of cempaka wood with a polychrome finish in shades of earthy orange. The tail forms the handle for the cover which slides out to revel a compartment where sacred objects are kept. Has normal signs of wear to the paint, and small stable grain cracks in the wood which are consistent with an object of this age from Bali. I have included several photos for you to review. Please do not hesitate to ask if you need more info. A great piece for your collection or as an art object.

Approx. Size: 22" L x 11" T x 8" W
Solid wood
Worn patina consistent with age
Authentic - Artisan crafted in Bali
Removable lid
Ships FAST from our location in the USA by UPS Ground

Barong is an animal deity or spirit in Balinese mythology. He is the king of the spirits and symbolizes goodness. Banas Pati Rajah is believed to be the spirit that drives the Barong and is a protective spirit that accompanies a child through out his life. In Bali each region has a guardian spirit in the forest or land.
Each of these protective spirits are portrayed in the form of certain animals:
Barong Ket : barong lion , barong most common and represents the spirit of goodness.
Landung Barong : Barong giants , Chinese culture has influenced and shaped like Ondel-ondel Betawi.
The boar Barong Bangkal: Barong shaped boar
Barong Macan : barong-shaped leopard or tiger
Naga Barong : Barong shaped dragon or snake