INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF THE ISLAND OF BALI, INDONESIA: History, Ritual & Social Organisation

About this video

• Video Title: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF THE ISLAND OF BALI, INDONESIA: History, Ritual & Social Organisation
• Channel: Visual Anthropology DU
• Speakers: Professor Thomas R, Madam R, Professor AS BNay Kind (mentioned as Head of Department and Director of Center for Tribal Studies)
• Duration: 02:24:50

Overview

This video is a public lecture discussing the history, rituals, and social organization of the indigenous people of Bali, Indonesia. It explores the influence of Indian culture on Bali, their unique social structures, and the interplay between tradition and modernity.

Key takeaways

• Historical Influence: Bali was significantly influenced by Indian trade and culture, leading to the integration of Hinduism and Buddhism into a unique religious system. Early kingdoms were established in the central highlands, with written evidence dating back to the 8th century.
• Social Organization (Regional): The indigenous Balinese (Bali Aga) have maintained a culture predating later Indian influence. Their society is organized regionally around temples (Banua), representing domains of ancestral origin, with a central royal temple acting as the apex of their ritual system.
• Social Organization (Village and Household): At the village (Desa) and household level, society is structured based on Austronesian traditions, emphasizing dualism (e.g., male/female, right/left). This structure is reflected in their longhouses and social hierarchies, where individuals progress through ranks during their lifetime.
• Rituals and Sacrifice: Annual rituals mark the transition between wet and dry seasons, involving animal sacrifice, particularly of buffaloes, which are treated as symbolic stand-ins for humans. This practice is rooted in a cosmological understanding of a sacrificial order where existence implies non-existence for something else.
• Tourism and Cultural Impact: Bali's status as a major tourist destination has brought economic benefits but also led to the commodification and potential erosion of cultural values. While tourism has created economic disparities and cultural challenges, the core ritualistic practices remain vital to Balinese society, particularly in the less tourist-affected highlands.
• Ecological Awareness: Traditional Balinese practices demonstrate a strong connection to nature, with respect for sacred trees and animals, and a circular, sustainable economy that minimized waste.