Makakawin : The Reading of the Lontar Ancient Texts
The first thing one notices in the shadows of the dimly-lit temple is the mysterious mumbling of human voices, which is not quite that of a chant, but not quite that of normal conversation either. If one approaches the bale (open pavilion), one sees a small group of men, sitting in the lotus position around
The Construction of Balinese Hinduism
Most of you, dear readers, when coming to Bali, already have a certain idea of the island. An iconic idea, which encompasses, as you probably know, just a small part of reality. So you must certainly have been told that Bali is the only Hindu island in Indonesia — and you have been told so
Buto Ijo and the Legend of Petitenget
On the 14th of September, when the big yellow sun was slowly crawling down the western sky, the opening of Petitenget Festival was held at Petitenget Beach. The festival, involving almost all member of the community of Kerobokan Village, was the first festival conducted in the area. Hundreds of people filled the beach from noon
Empowering Bali’s Women Artists: Futuwonder
During the year a small, yet enthusiastic gathering of volunteers set out to make a very significant contribution to Balinese art. “Puan Empu Seni: Edit-a-thon”, was conducted on the 7th of July in Bali within a fun and learning environment at Rumah Sanur-Creative Hub. It was a part of a national drive to increase the amount
Dagger in Hand: Bali’s Baris Keris Dance
Baris dance is one important dance usually performed as the opening to a sacred ritual or big religious ceremony in temples in the villages of Bali. The dance plays an important role as it symbolises the welcoming of deities, gods and goddesses that are believed have come down from heaven to witness the rituals. The
DenPasar2018 Art + Design: An Exhibition and Movement
During the month of October a unique program of activities was presented by CushCush Gallery (CCG) in Denpasar highlighting the on-going transformation of the city into a modern creative hub that is evolving side-by-side with its cultural and historical icons. Opening on the 5th of October DenPasar2018 Art+Design – An Exhibition & Movement headlined the program
Metatah : A Balinese Teeth Filing (Done with Style)
Its not every day that some well placed person in Ubud society organises a huge metatah or tooth filing ceremony for her greater family, it was an affair to remember. Without mentioning any names, the event took place at the popular Honeymoon Guest House where twenty two children or young adults had their front teeth filed
A Woman’s “Impurity” Within Balinese Belief
If there has been an important behavioural notion that has been imported from India to Bali, it is the notion of purity, or rather the avoidance of impurity, nirmala – not impure. To the Balinese, spiritual impurity is indeed a dreadful condition. First place, it is niskala (invisible) by nature, thus subjected to forces that
Rejang Renteng: A Dance of the Older Generation
Balinese dances eloquently charm audiences with their signature basic movements, eye movements and curvy nature of the female dancers. Almost all of the dances on the island boast bright colours and glittery costumes. All of this is not presented in Rejang Renteng. Rejang Renteng is a variation of the Rejang Dance – the sacred dance
The Ins and Outs of Balinese Dogs
Have you ever seen a Balinese dog? I am sure you must have. These small, ugly animals are everywhere. They lurk in every corner in groups of four or five, peering at you in defiance with their small beady eyes, their tails jigging in the air. If you are, like myself, a white-skinned Caucasian, they
Balinese Painter Gede Mahendra Yasa Honoured in Prestigious Asia-Pacific Art Prize
During a recent presentation ceremony at the National Museum of Singapore on the 29th of June, the winners of the Asia-Pacific Breweries Signature Art Prize 2018 were announced. After Paradise Lost #1, a colourful and complex narrative painting of everyday life intertwined with history, by Balinese artist GedeMahendraYasa was short-listed for the prize along with
Meet the Designer of Garuda Wisnu Kencana : Nyoman Nuarta
Rising at a height of 121 meters on top of a pedestal, the statue of Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) has finally been completed after 25 years of construction. This landmark icon stands proudly on the top of Ungasan hill, inside the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park area. The gigantic copper and brass sculpture is of
How Balinese Criticise Those They Love The Most : Their Priest
When Westerners think of Balinese priesthood, they are usually awed and, accordingly, embarrassed by “excessive respect”. It must be said that the view of a pedanda priest, lotus-sitting on his platform and jingling his genta bell to call down the gods to the rite he is performing, is highly impressive and calls for spontaneous respect.
