Discovering Bali's Arts and Culture

@golaj

**Title:** Majestic Jauk Manis Dance – The King of Giants in Balinese Tradition **Alt Text:** A Balinese performer in the Jauk Manis dance, dressed as the king of giants with a red ornate costume, golden crown, long painted nails, and a striking mask, performing on stage with traditional temple decorations in the background.

This is the king of giants, with long nails, wearing the mask of a demon and dancing expressively. This is called the Jauk Manis dance, one of Bali’s classical masked performances.

The dancer wears a white mask and a royal Balinese costume complete with a crown, keris, and long-nailed gloves. Because the mask hides the face, the entire story is told through movement.

Jauk Manis has long been danced in temple ceremonies as an offering.

Watching it, I was struck by how a dancer with a mask can be so full of expression.

13/9/2025

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