Topeng Dance
/ˈtoʊ.pɛŋ dæns/noun
A traditional Indonesian masked dance-drama in which performers portray characters from epic, legendary, or historical stories.
Did you know?In Topeng traditions, the mask is not merely a disguise: performers may treat putting it on as a temporary transformation into the character it represents.
Etymological Timeline
Early Indonesian usage
Malay/Indonesian
topeng
“Mask; a face covering used in performance and ritual contexts.”
Classical Javanese tradition
Old Javanese
topeng
“A theatrical mask or masked performance tradition.”
Pre-modern Java and Bali
Javanese/Balinese
topeng
“Masked drama combining dance, acting, music, and narrative.”
19th Century
Indonesian
tari topeng
“Masked dance; literally, “topeng dance.””
20th Century
English
Topeng dance
“An English description for Indonesian masked dance-drama traditions.”
Modern English
English
Topeng Dance
“A contemporary name for Indonesian masked dance performances, especially those associated with Java and Bali.”