Topeng
/ˈtɒpɛŋ/noun
A traditional Indonesian masked performer, mask, or masked dance.
Did you know?Topeng theater uses masks to embody figures from Javanese history, Hindu epics, and local mythology, turning identity itself into a ritual performance.
Etymological Timeline
Old Javanese period
Old Javanese
tapel
“A mask or face covering; often cited as an earlier related form.”
Medieval Java
Javanese
topeng
“A mask and masked performance tradition.”
Precolonial Southeast Asia
Malay
topeng
“A mask, especially one used in dance or theatrical performance.”
19th–20th Century
Indonesian
topeng
“A mask, masked dance, or theatrical genre.”
Modern English
English
topeng
“An Indonesian masked dance, masked performer, or theatrical mask.”
Explore more surprising origins