"Sidha Karya" is a white-faced, smiling, demonic mask which is used to elicit both fear and laughter.
The Sidha Karya character appears at almost every important religious ceremony in Bali; in fact, the name Sidha Karya means "the ceremony may be successfully concluded" (Sidha = to be able, Karya = ritual work). As the final mask to appear in topeng (a ritual masked dance performance), Sidha Karya makes the conclusion of the ritual possible, often through the dramatic gesture of grabbing a child from the onlookers and giving him some coins from an offering; a task easier said than done because children quickly shy away from his fearful (yet, as everyone knows, benevolent) visage.
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We offer Wayang Bali performances in your home or community center, as well as original film and performance videos as part of our continual fund raising efforts. Contributions are tax-deductable.

