Lost Signal: Memories of Topeng Tua

Lost Signal. Memories of Topeng Tua. This article was first published in sawidjistudio.com 2nd August 2023.

The eve of Galungan (Penampahan Galungan). A holy day that is a reminder to cultivate self-strength, Wiweka Jnana. Wisdom and reason. Encouraging us to reflect inwards and understand the self better in our interconnection with Nature. What in turn we need to cultivate to greet the Holy Day of Galungan.

Two years ago, when I first worked on this series, these words accompanied them.

“Grandfather speaks and walks these paths, holding my hand. Ageless, with vision sharp and wisdom deep. Where is our playground? Why does he stumble? Shards of rubble in place of earth and dew?”^{~ Dian Dewi Reich 2023}

An inevitable series. Given my love of our spiritual culture. The invaluable teachings passed down through many generations from our Ancestors through our literature, ritual, art, and social culture. On the other hand, the subtle ways in which we are forcing our traditions into an environment that contradicts and suffocates them are bewildering. The extreme commercialisation of culture is at times the worst kind of mockery. Perhaps this is how we went into an imaginary place and time, where Topeng Tua would visit us but was soon too lost and alienated to stay.

“Topeng Tua is a spirit that knows the saltiness of salt. I would have a request. That he may always guide and protect us. He is powerful. If he was not powerful he would have died on the battlefield and not survived being a minister to the king for so long. It is proof of his power and capability. In age we get closer to God and Nature. My hope is for the Spirit of Topeng Tua to share his experience and knowledge with the people now. That is my hope.” _{~Kadek Sudiasa in The Power of Topeng Tua}

Thank you to Kadek Sudiasa, Juniari and Manbutur Suantara for being part of this series.