I always dreamed of coming to Bali and getting locked in as a result of a volcanic eruption that would not allow my flight to return to Australia. But catching a cold while stuck here was definitely not part of that plan. Since the pace has slowed, however, I have time to post a few more scenes:
A procession to a local temple:
Entering the temple gate . . . .
Wait — all the blessings were used up on the women. Need to refresh the divine protection before the men enter . . . .
The following evening there were dancers. I’ve seen the women dancing so often I did not film them this time, but this was the first time I recall seeing the men dance in this context . . . . — If you think there are moments of little action look more closely: the dancers are going “wild” with twitching fingers, subtle sole-shifting and eye-gestures!
and continuing . . . .
The performances were opened by the young girls . . . .
Continuing from a different angle (though a bit shaky at the start) . . . .
I think this is a regular monthly ceremony. I seem to see something like this so often when I visit.
Neil Godfrey
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I once had an interesting dinner with Clifford Geertz. The anthropologist who, in part based on his seeing a Balinese cockfight, said we should not see just thin general outlines of cultures, but also more detailed “thick descriptions” of their lives.
Guildford was interested specifically in seven Balinease concepts of personhood.