Winter 2019 - 30. Bali Museum of Art, Denpasar

30.  Bali Museum of Art, Denpasar

Entrance to the Bali Museum in Denpasar

One of the Panels Above

Museums are always a good source of info, but when I entered this place I kind of got lost in the UNKNOWN items shown all around me. I understood that some of the heritage of Bali is already lost and that some of the old ways are no longer practiced, and that there are ‘reminders’ in this museum that show the old ways.

Having Fun

I did not have an easy time in this place, even after I came back to our hotel and read some articles on line, like this one above about the Bali Museum, I did not understand. I think I need a lifetime in Bali to get it all sorted out.

There was really nothing I could relate to. The customs of the people are strange to me. We had a self appointed ‘guide’ who just showed up and gave us a tour.

Teeth Filing

The Silver Door

Of course, it was all about the religious part of the Balinese lifestyle. I became very Canadian during the visit through the Museum. I smiled and was polite… even though, inside I kind of lost it. I ask you, why would people file their teeth; to prove their manhood? No, women had their teeth filed, too. It was a ‘beauty’ thing I was told but really? My inside shuddered at someone filing away at my teeth.  

Cow Milking

I saw a heavy door, all Silver, very ornate, wonderful really, but so heavy? I don’t know the meaning of it!  But the guide made sure I looked at it, made sure I took a picture.

I have a picture of a man milking a cow, but I don’t know why? I did not get what the ‘guide’ tried to tell me. 

Our guide talked about the cremation ceremony (Upacara Ngaben), but again, I smiled and had no idea what he was really telling me. I only saw the picture of a wooden cow set on fire. I have no idea what it means!

Large Bull Being Cremated

Cremation Tower

It took me some searching to find above links and only then did I get some ideas and understanding what this was all about. I knew that I just received another religious tour, this time at the museum.

Ceremonial Masks

Ah, Bali is so full of religion you cannot get away from it. It’s not that the people preach it to me, it’s what they do and talk about that I don’t understand and when I ask, I get this explanation which turns out to be in some way another religious ceremony.

Balinese Calendar

Still, I like Bali, this Island grows on me. The people are fantastic and I love their smiles. I like their natural teeth, though. Not filed, not blackened with betel juice.  I like the natural Bali person, not the touristy show folks or the romantic idea of how it used to be.

A Beautiful Bride

And how was it in the old days?

When we walked around in the gardens around the museum we came across a wedding party who were taking photographs in ‘old’ princely customs, elaborate and even the groom had helpers (his brothers) who had him sit in a proper way.

The Groom is at the Top

The bride was beautiful, and see in the pictures she is wearing pink flip flops while posing for these stunning pictures. 

These wedding pictures are a show, I like the real person behind the picture, the woman can wear jeans, she is still beautiful to me, and I don’t need the fancy dress…. Still, amazing pictures, right?

Bridal Footwear?

Sorry to not be of help telling you about the Bali Museum, I guess you just have to go and see for yourself.

There is a whole section of early European artists who came to Bali around 1900 who tried to preserve some aspect of Balinese life. I read the names; still I don’t know any of them, do you?