Piranti Mepandes: Tools of the Tooth Filing
One of the most significant rites of passage for any Balinese Hindu is the tooth filing ceremony, known as metatah, mesangih and for higher castes, mepandes. The ceremony involves the filing down of the top two canines and four incisors, the ‘fang-like’ teeth which are symbolic of the animalistic tendencies, as people enter the adult
The Sacred Gringsing Wayang Kebo
Kurniawati was sitting next to me under a roof covered in jaka fibers, while she was waiting to pick up the daha (unmarried women) for the coming-of-age ritual, part of Usaba Kasa. It was 10 in the morning, “The girls have been getting ready since the morning, while the boys are drinking. We are waiting
Desa Adat Renon: An Ogoh-Less Village
On the eve of Nyepi, Bali’s Day of Silence, the island is in a boisterous and lively state as people celebrate the Ngrupuk Parade. This ritual of sorts sees the parading of the ogoh-ogoh, gigantic and vibrant effigies depicting demons, beasts and ghastly characters (bhuta kala) of Balinese and Hindu folklore. These ogoh-ogoh are made by the
The Flowers of Bali: A World of Symbolism and Colour
Bali, known as the island of the Gods, boasts a variety of magnificent flora. Many of these cherished plants and flowers hold a cultural significance and are admired for their beauty. Importantly, the flowers of Bali play a vital role in various ceremonies, rituals and celebrations. Rooted deeply in Balinese culture, they hold deep meanings
Guide to Traditional Balinese Clothing: Symbolism, Meaning and What to Wear
Bali is known for its vibrant and visual living culture, and traditional attire is certainly part of this tapestry. Whether making their way to temples, hosting grand ceremonies, from weddings to blessings, there is very specific traditional Balinese clothing that must be worn, each different for men and women, and indeed depending on the type
Kulkul: A Traditional Balinese Slit Drum
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Balinese culture and traditions is the fact that, despite the ever-changing times and technology-driven world, many of them are still kept alive even today. An example of this is the “kulkul” or Balinese Slit Drum, an age-old traditional percussive device constructed out of wood or bamboo used
Mt. Agung: Home of Myths and Legends
There are many stories that surround Bali’s highest and holiest mountain. From how it was formed to the dragon that lives within, Mt. Agung is more than just a towering volcano on the landscape. Standing at 3,031 metres high in Bali’s eastern-most regency of Karangasem, Mt. Agung dominates the horizon on clear days, appearing suddenly
Emerging Balinese Artist Made Chandra’s Exciting Classical-meets-Contemporary Visual Style
Classical Balinese painting is an authentic living tradition that has evolved over the centuries with artists introducing personal innovations to sacred religious images that function as a vital narrative role in the culture. During the past two decades, however, contemporary imagining has liberated Classical iconography from the canons of tradition, granting exciting original expression. The
Tumpek Krulut: The Balinese Day of Affection and an Homage to Music
Whilst the Western world celebrates Valentine’s Day as their ‘day of love’. The Balinese Hindu observe a unique auspicious day known as Tumpek Krulut. This is considered the day of music, art and affection, dedicated to the deity Dewa Iswara (Kawiswara), a manifestation of the Almighty God. Tumpek refers to the six specific auspicious days
Gelungan Payas Agung: The Ceremonial Balinese Headdress
The Gelungan Payas Agung is a stunning crown: it is the piece de resistance of the formal Balinese ceremonial attire, which is also known as payas agung. This striking outfit is most commonly used for Balinese weddings, though is also used during other important ceremonies, namely the metatah (or mepandes) tooth filing ceremony or the
Genta: The Balinese Priest’s Sacred Bell
The piercing rings of the genta are heard at every ceremony, big or small. They are a ubiquitous sound in Bali, ringing in temples, roadsides, homes and even over the radio in Bali’s Puja Tri Sandhya, call to prayer. Held in the left hand of the Balinese Hindu priests, and accompanying the chants and mantras,
Willem G. Hofker’s Artistic Odyssey and the Cultural Tapestry that Inspired Him
European painters have long been captivated by the beauty of Indonesia. The stunning landscapes and rich colorful heritage have served as an inspiration for many renowned artists throughout history. In this article, Sake Santema from Indies Gallery presents a few works from his collection by Willem G Hofker, whose life and work became deeply intertwined
Siwa Ratri, The Ritual Wake For The Longest Night of the Year
The longest night of the year is a important ritual moment in the life of the Balinese. In the local lunar-solar Saka calendar, it falls on the 14th panglong lunar day of the seventh (Kapitu) month. Fully dedicated to the cult of Siwa, this night is called the Night of Siwa, or Siwa Ratri. The
