Baris Dancer — Vintage Polychrome Wood Carving, Sebatu Village, Bali
Nearly four feet tall, this hand-carved and painted Baris Dancer captures the warrior mid-ritual — arms outstretched, tall gilded headdress rising above a pale, wide-eyed face fixed in the intensity central to the dance itself. Traditional gold-leaf and polychrome detailing covers the carved costume, from the layered cape panels (awiran) down to the pleated skirt, with remarkably vibrant color retained throughout. Mounted on a wooden base, with removable arms — a traditional construction method for large-scale figural carvings of this kind.
Carved in Sebatu, a village near Ubud long known for detailed figural and ceremonial woodwork. Comes with its original retail tag identifying the piece and village of origin — rare documented provenance for a vintage piece this size.
Acquired at a Wisconsin estate auction, noted at time of sale as being in "great color and nice condition."
Approx. 48"H | Carved, painted, and gilded wood | Vintage, mid-to-late 20th century | Bali, Indonesia