ABSTRACT

This chapter explores the character of Sidha Karya, a key figure in the Topeng theatre. It examines the mask through the lens of etymology, iconography, history and meaning. The Sidha Karya mask is a key icon in Balinese Hinduism, with a multifaceted significance that transcends its physical nature. The mask thus functions as a ‘text’ rich with meanings, making its interpretation a subjective and complex endeavour.