Bathing in Indonesia In Early Prints and Photographs
Bathing and cleanliness hold a significant place in Indonesian society, closely connected to the country’s tropical climate, religious beliefs, social customs, and overall well-being. Bathing is not merely a hygienic practice but is deeply rooted in spiritual, communal, and cultural traditions. When Europeans arrived in Indonesia from the 16th century onward, they were struck by
Alchemy of the Soul: The Somya Purifications Ahead of the Balinese New Year
As the ninth month of the Saka Year, Sasih Kesanga, approaches its conclusion, Bali awakens from the prolonged lethargy of the monsoon. Clouds dissipate, and the celestial expanse offers a renewed clarity. It is a season of curious transitions; the Balinese observe that the canine population is in heat (cicing kesanga) and the initial rice cycle
Gusti Nyoman Darta: Culinary Inheritance in Practice
Most traditional Balinese cooking knowledge is not written down. It moves through practice, carried from elders to younger generations within families and banjar. Measurements are not recorded in grams but felt through texture, temperature, and resistance under the blade. Balance is recognised through aroma and memory. Technique is learned through repetition rather than formal instruction.
Household Shrines in the Balinese Home
Balinese culture is deeply infused with spirituality, and this is visible in the use of household shrines. Found within every Balinese Hindu housing compound across the island, these sacred spaces act as the spiritual centre of Balinese family life, where they offer daily prayers, lay down offerings, and perform rites and rituals that connect the
Balinese Reincarnation: A Cycle of New Beginnings
Of course, you’ve heard about reincarnation, right? But my guess is that you have heard about the formal, reformed-Hindu version of it: “You will reincarnate as a dog if you behave like one!” In other words, your future incarnations will be a consequence of your current deeds. Yet, whilst there are some modern Balinese that
Pawiwahan: The Sacred Union
In Bali, life is marked by ceremony. From birth to death, a Balinese Hindu passes through a series of manusa yadnya, rites of passage, that guide the individual through the stages of existence. The first of which are the many rites that take a newborn baby through childhood, ending with a tooth filing ceremony (metatah).
Is Bali Hindu? Part Four: A Name at Last!
BY BRUCE W. CARPENTER In this, the final part in a four-part series, the slow and simmering process finally ends with an agreement on what to name the Balinese religion reaching a conclusion. While orientalist scholars had long before decided that the island was Hindu, the Balinese themselves would only enter the debate with the
Is Bali Hindu? Part Three: The Rise of the Balinese Intelligentsia
BY BRUCE W. CARPENTER In the 1920s, Bali would experience a new phenomenon, the rise of a western-style intelligentsia who would lay the foundation of a long, contentious debate about Balinese identity and religion. It was a direct result of the Dutch opening government schools with western curriculums in Buleleng Regency, a once proud independent kingdom
Kober Dewata Nawa Sanga: Flags of the Nine Guardians
Flags across the world are symbols of identity or purpose. Be it for countries, cities or organisations, the colours and icons featured on their representative flag will be deliberate, meaningful choices. Here in Bali, there are flags used for ceremonial purposes called kober, which are among the vibrant paraphernalia often seeing during ritual processions. Kober
A Beginner’s Guide to Balinese Dance
What is the role of dance in ceremony? What are the different categories of Balinese dance? The most foundational stances? Having an understanding of some of these fundamental questions is a great first step to appreciating what is an unimaginably rich and varied art form. Ubiquitous across the island, proudly performed on stage for the
A Soul in Limbo: The Curious Case of a Converted Balinese
The beautiful Ani, who rented the room next to Kadek, was a beautiful Madurese woman, but more urgently, she was also the victim of Kadek’s frequent peeping. A reputed scoundrel in Bali, but now a migrant in Jakarta, Kadek had few friends and fewer options of a suitor, but beautiful Ani had captured his imagination.
The Puputan Badung: Artist Marmar Herayukti Reimagines a Heroes Monument
Multidisciplinary Balinese artist, Marmar Herayukti, recently revealed his latest artistic work with the unveiling of ‘The Puputan Badung’ diorama in Denpasar. This new display has reimagined an existing iconic statue, Monumen Puputan Badung, made in remembrance of one of Bali’s most significant historical moments. Bali’s ‘puputan’, or mass ritual suicides, committed during Bali’s war against
Unique Celebrations: Bali’s One-of-a-Kind Festivals
There is a concept in Bali called ‘Desa Kala Patra’, which translates to ‘place’, ‘time’ and ‘situation’. It is a philosophy that encourages tolerance to the differences around the island, be it between regions or even neighbouring villages. The idea is that a people or place are shaped by their different circumstances, histories, geographies, and
