Royal Cremation

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Royal Cremation 141.jpg (39703 bytes) The royal wada whose height and richness of decoration are appropriate for a member of the ex royal family.

On its back is the mask of Bhoma, the Son of Earth, who invites all to rejoice in the  liberation of the soul of the departed and subsequent reincarnation in another shape.
The wada is raised and whirled around to confuse the spirit and prevent its return to its former  life. (and to terrify unsuspecting tourists who scatter out of its way much to the amusement of the Balinese) Friends and relatives guide the  spirit in procession to the pyre by long strips of cloth attached to the wada.  It is a great honour to act as bearer and teams of a hundred or more change frequently to give all a chance to serve. Royal Creamation 142.jpg (39281 bytes)
Royal Creamation 150.jpg (39833 bytes) At the cremation site the body, wrapped in cloth is transferred to the sarcophagus.  The body is blessed for the last time and the offering vases broken.  The bull and wada are quickly engulfed in flames.
The fires are fueled with dried palms by the pallbearers and here gasoline is poured through a bamboo tube to encourage burning.  Eventually the ashes are collected in coconut shells, later to be throw over the sea or into a stream in the final ceremony, the Mukur. Royal Creamation 152.jpg (39749 bytes)
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