Barong head

This leonine face bears all the usual features of wrathful manifestations: bulging eyes, wrinkled nose, fierce smile revealing sharp fangs, a drawn tongue and abundantly cascading hair. This terrifying face belongs to Barong, a balinese mythological creature. Despite his appearance, he is considered to be a beneficial spirit and guardian of the forest. Carved on a hollowed-out piece of wood, this object may have served as an architectural ornament.