Barong

Origin and tradition

Balinese tradition presents Barong as a protective spirit-king, often lionlike, locked in ritual opposition with Rangda.

Illustration in this atlas

The plate depicts Barong Ket: a lionlike carved mask with round eyes, curling fangs, a shaggy mane, and a long textile costume worn in performance. Other Barong forms represent different animals; this is an interpretation of a protective dance figure, not a wild lion.

References and further reading

1. en.wikipedia.org — Barong (mythology)
2. amnh.org — 280-barong
3. ignca.gov.in — 206.html
4. maskmuseum.org — Barong

These references offer further reading. Accounts and depictions vary; the atlas illustration is interpretive artwork, rather than historical or scientific evidence.