Barong

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Batubalon 228.jpg (39438 bytes) The Gamelan

No ritual or performance is complete without gamelan.  The orchestra is made up of gongs, flutes, drums, two stringed viols and a pemugal made of metal strips which hang over bamboo tubes.

Here the priest, at the top right blesses the gong before the performance begins.
Enter the Barong, a gigantic mythological beast covered with heavy fur or feathers.  It takes two men to bring to life the nine foot body..  His mask is decorated with leather strips, mirrors, pom poms and flowers.  His magical power rests in his beard of human hair.   The dance portrays the struggle between good and evil.  To find out who triumphs, go to Batubalon. Batubalon 229.jpg (39714 bytes)
Batubalon 223.jpg (39866 bytes) Offerings are made by this lady who also trains the dancers.  She tried in vain to teach us some hand movements but we were about 50 years too late as the dancers have to start training at a very young age
The offerings are presented to the priest.  Behind him in the temple hangs the body of the Barong.  When not in use he is always carefully stored and his mask covered with a white veil. Batubalon 224.jpg (39799 bytes)
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