Bali - Time, Rites, Art And Magic

This unique book describes the concept of time in Bali and the magical significance of religious rites and festivals that are bewilderingly complex yet endlessly intriguing. Authors Jean Couteau and Georges Breguet begin by unraveling the difficult Balinese calendar and making it accessible. This calendar forms the basis for an elaborate cycle of celebrations held at regular intervals which help the Balinese to mediate between the human realm and the unseen world of ancestors, gods, demons and spirits. Lavish purification rituals, offerings, divination, dances, music, theater, art and trance spectacles are the result--all described here in loving detail. This book is richly illustrated with 62 specially commissioned drawings by Balinese artist I Gusti Nyoman Darta and a selection of color photographs of the most important rituals along with detailed painted Balinese calendars from museum collections around the world.