Tyra Kleen – Illuminating the Mystical Language of Mudras
In the realm of early twentieth-century art, few figures blend mysticism, adventure, and cross-cultural curiosity as seamlessly as Tyra Kleen. Kleen pursued a path that took her far beyond the conventions of her time, charting her own course through art, travel, and spiritual exploration. Her journey led her to Java and Bali, where she became
“Hari Ini Aku Kembali Pulang” – Dayu Sartika Returns to the Bali Art Scene
An artist’s voice, their unique style which identifies them among their peers, is an essential aspect of a successful artist. For an emerging artist, young, talented, sensitive, ambitious, and impressionable, the journey of self-discovery in discerning who they are, what, and how they wish to express their creativity can be extremely difficult to unearth. A
Nandusin & Tlengis: Bali’s Forgotten Flavours & Timeless Techniques
At Warung di Kebun, rare culinary traditions are both served and preserved in the heart of Denpasar. Few plants have had such a long and directly symbiotic relationship with humankind as the coconut. With famously numerous qualities as a source of natural materials, and fruit that offers sterile, nutrient-rich water in a convenient, hard-wearing container, it’s not surprising that
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
