Wood sculpture, full-size 'Janger Dancer' (Indonesia)

Wayan Rendah captures the dancer's pose with rigid accuracy; the folds of her dress, the arch of her back, the weight of her hair carved intricately out of rich suar wood. The woman is depicted performing Janger, a traditional Balinese dance that first appeared in the 1920s. As a dance form it became hugely popular as men and women were allowed to dance together, each village forming groups of about a dozen youths. The young women sit and sway harmoniously, their sweet melody contrasting the aggressive kecak chants of the men. Performers then stand up and execute creative routines, such as this figure posing and reciting ancient poetry. Dynamic in its form, this piece offers the rhythm of Bali to any household. This item is individually carved by hand and belongs to a special collection created by the artist.