Hand Carved Wood Relief Panel of the Balinese Deity Barong, "Barong the Protector"

Flowers frame a fierce countenance that hides a benevolent nature. Komang Sri depicts Barong in a suar wood relief panel. Barong represents the goodness that destroyed the evil witch, Rangda. His adventures are reenacted in the form of a religious dance performed at Balinese temple ceremonies. But these days, the Barong dance is also performed for tourists. He is the most popular and beloved character in Bali's colorful culture, a hybrid creature, half shaggy dog and half lion.