Nyepi: Stillness and the Renewal of Balance

Nyepi: Stillness and the Renewal of Balance is part three of a three part series based on a talk by Anthropologist and cultural expert Jean Couteau ‘Nyepi Uncovered’ at Usada Bali. After movement, procession, and expulsion, Bali enters stillness. People often describe Nyepi simply as the Day of Silence. Within the wider ceremonial cycle, however, […]
Pengrupukan and Ogoh-Ogoh: The Expulsion of Disorder

Exploring Bali and its culture with John Couteau Pengrupukan and Ogoh-Ogoh: The Expulsion of Disorder is part two of a three part series based on a talk by Anthropologist and cultural expert Jean Couteau ‘Nyepi Uncovered’ at Usada Bali. Following the cleansing of Melasti, the focus shifts. If Melasti returns accumulated imbalance to its source, […]
Turning the Mountain

Philosophy, Power, and Sacred Memory in Balinese Mask Tradition Article and Photography by By Dian Dewi In conversation with Kadek Sudiasa, mask maker and dancer, Bali For several years, I have worked alongside Kadek Sudiasa, a Balinese mask maker and dancer, documenting and exploring the philosophy of Balinese masks not only as sculptural forms, but […]