Monkeys play a major role in Indonesian mythology (see Hanuman) and are mostly regarded as sacred animals by the Balinese. Indeed we know of one small forest in Central Bali that is known as the Sacred Monkey Forest (or Monkey Sanctuary)...located at the bottom of Monkey Forest Road! The Balinese also believe that like attracts like...so the more life-like elements their masks possess, the more likely they are to be possessed by the spirit of the character they represent. Masks are very sacred and magical objects that empower the dancer...rather than the dancer merely acting out the role. It's possible that in the far reaches of the island, where there is still great poverty and most are subsistence farmers, monkeys may be eaten of necessity...but it's far more likely that the monkey fur used in these masks comes from road kills, and animals culled in over-populated sanctuaries and small forests. Some of the monkeys are HUGE and become very aggressive, fearless and seriously dangerous, particularly in built-up areas...stealing from homes, damaging crops, and attacking locals and visitors alike. All our masks are fair trade. | 
