Bangkal means “wild boar” and this dance is performed by two dancers accompanied by two drums, cymbals, and gongs. It is only performed at the biannual festival of galungan, and is to keep sickness away from the community. Wayang topeng, or masked dance performance, is one of the oldest of the Indonesian performing arts. Masks were used in dance performances for various rites which are still undertaken today. It is believed that the spirit of the character enters the body of the dancer through the mask. One performer can play a variety of characters using different masks. Many of the dances perform the Panji narratives. They tell of the adventures of Prince Panji and his beloved, Candra Kirana. They are accompanied by gamelan music.
