The Mask, the Ritual, and the Woman Who Dances Her Ancestors | Nani Topeng Losari | TEDxBandung
This dance isn’t only art - it’s a breath from spiritual legacy and maintained history from generation to generation.
Nani Topeng Losari, a mask artist from Cirebon, is a descendant of Tari Topeng Losari tradition from her grandmother. Since childhood, she has dove into art through various spiritual stages, such as fasting and casting spells. In 1998, Nani was officially promoted into a Dalang Topeng Losari as the 7th generation, after undergoing a series of rituals.Her performance begins with thumps of drums and gamelan tunes in Cirebon style that immediately caught the attention of the audience. The procession begins with a prayer for smoothness, followed by an opening dance movement as if "presenting herself" and conveying a greeting of respect before wearing the Topeng Losari mask which is more than a hundred years old. This dance is not merely a spectacle, but a manifestation of respect, spirituality, and perseverance in preserving a tradition inherited across generations. Nani Topeng Losari, seniman topeng asal Cirebon, adalah pewaris tradisi Tari Topeng Losari dari sang nenek. Sejak kecil, ia telah mendalami tari topeng, menjalankan berbagai tahapan seperti puasa dan merapalkan mantra. Pada 1998, Nani resmi menjadi dalang Topeng Losari sebagai generasi penerus ke 7 setelah menjalani ritual. Dengan dedikasi tinggi, ia menjaga tradisi Topeng Losari dan menganggapnya sebagai ritual untuk mendekatkan diri kepada Tuhan.
—
Nani Topeng Losari, a mask artist from Cirebon, is the heir to the Topeng Losari Dance tradition from her grandmother. Since childhood, she has deeply studied mask dance, undergoing various steps such as fasting and chanting mantras. In 1998, Nani officially became the Topeng Losari master, after going through a consecration ritual in seven ancient wells. With great dedication, she preserves the Topeng Losari tradition and views it as a ritual to draw closer to God. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 5:27DSA: Riprogrammarsi ad imparare | Letizia Lando | TEDxLake Como YouthDopo anni di frustrazione e ansia da prestazione, Letizia scopre di avere la discalculia. Trasforma la diagnosi in forza, adattando il metodo di studio e imparando che le difficoltà non la definiscono. 5LSA2, I.S.I.S. Setificio Paolo Carcano This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 8:23I love myself | Gregorio Borgno | TEDxLake Como YouthDalle insicurezze adolescenziali alla consapevolezza, Gregorio impara che per costruire relazioni sane bisogna prima coltivare sé stessi. Non inseguire le farfalle: crea il tuo giardino e impara a volerti bene. 4BM Relazioni Internazionali per il Marketing, Istituto Superiore Giuseppe Terragni This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 17:17Vivremo in eterno in quella parte di noi che avremo donato | Oscar Di Montigny | TEDxLake Como YouthIn un mondo segnato da violenza e crisi, Oscar propone di riportare l’uomo al centro. Dopo la sostenibilità ambientale dell’economia circolare, l’economia sferica aggiunge la terza dimensione di valore: l’essere umano. Milan-born, class of 1969, after a nearly 25-year career as a Manager and Executive at one of Italy’s leading banking groups, he is now an entrepreneur, angel investor, wise manager, and thought leader among the world’s foremost experts on megatrends. He is President and founder of the Grateful Foundation – ETS, which promotes awareness initiatives centered on the value of gratitude, and Managing Partner at Wise Gate, which supports businesses in generating positive impact on society and the planet.Creator of the concept of "Spherical Economy®" and the systemic development model known as "Humanovability®", he promotes and spreads this approach through a blend of scientific research, editorial initiatives, public events, and advocacy efforts with corporations and industrial groups.Essayist, educator, and keynote speaker, he is also an ambassador for Oxfam Italy, an organization that defends fundamental human rights and fights poverty and inequality around the world. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 8:52"When the Whiskey Speaks“ & "Miss Me" | Lena Schaur | TEDxDonauinselLena Schaur performs two original songs, sharing raw emotion, honesty, and soul on the TEDxDonauinsel stage. Lena Schaur is a 22-year-old singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Austria. With her soulful voice, she transforms personal experiences into songs that resonate deeply with her audience. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 14:42From One Rental Computer to Global Impact | Dr. Bharat Bylappa | TEDxICEASThis inspiring TEDxICEAS talk shares a real-life journey of perseverance, vision, and breakthrough in the world of entrepreneurship. From humble beginnings and facing doubts to building a successful software company—the first from Bengaluru listed on the BSE SME Startup platform—this talk embodies the relentless spirit of turning dreams into reality. Dr. Bharat is an Indian entrepreneur who started his business journey from a 1BHK house, renting a computer — and today leads a BSE-listed company. He is the founder of BHHS Technologies Limited, Tranway21 Technologies Limited, Bharat Farms, and Board25. Under BHHS Technologies, he has built two renowned brands: Bharat Headhunters and Diversity Headhunters. Bharat has a business presence in India, South Africa, Malaysia, and the UAE.He is currently developing an AI-based career tool called Confidential Hiring, which is set to launch this financial year. Bharat is also a motivational speaker, regularly invited by colleges and corporates to address students and employees.Through his initiative “Elevate Life,” Bharat identifies school and college dropouts, reskills them based on their aptitude, and helps them secure employment. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 13:06Geodesic Dome Villa | Prof. Ar. VASANTH K. BHAT | TEDxICEASDiscover the groundbreaking story behind Bangalore’s first Geodesic Dome-Villa—a unique 3-BHK home designed and constructed using cutting-edge geodesic technology and concrete in-situ walls. Presented by Prof. Ar. Vasanth K Bhat, this TEDxICEAS talk unveils the innovation, challenges, and future possibilities of alternative architecture in India. Architect- Vasthu Cosnultant with over 40 years of experience. Since the last 40 years engaged in the practice of Architecture using Vasthu shastra as a guiding parameter. Has designed a wide variety of residential , institutional and industrial projects all over India and abroad. Vasthu consultant for many industrial establishments in and around Bangalore. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx