Open Your Mask: Traditional Paradox of Mask Puppet of Malang, East Java, Indonesia

Mask performance art in Indonesia is considerable and diverse, every area, race or ethnic community and metropolis community has expression in the form of mask. Every community defines the expressed “mask” itself over times. Basically, mask face closing mask wear it, aiming to respect the spirit of ancestors, including king. This research employed functional-structural approach. The mask is considered as an integral part of its dancer. Emotional bond hides an individual’s self-identity in order not to be recognized by others. The character of mask worn was ‘handsome’ as the symbol of love, and “ugly” as the symbol of evil. The data was collected using in-depth interview, participatory observation, and document study. Techniques of analyzing used were interpretative and hermeneutic analyses.