Barong Dance at Batubulan, Bali

The Barong dance is the classic story of good (The Barong) triumphing over evil ( The evil witch Rangda). The Barong is a large lion type creature played by two men, Rangda is the epitome of evil with long fingernails and droopy breasts. The Barong is going about his business until he is interrupted by Rangda. Ultimately a battle ensues and the Barong’s followers begin attacking Rangda with their Keris (daggers). Rangda, being a witch, is able to use magical powers to turn the daggers against their owners, who fall into a trance and try to stab themselves. In Balinese dance the movement is closely associated with the rhythms produced by the gamelan, a musical ensemble specific to Java and Bali. Multiple levels of articulations in the face, eyes, hands, arms, hips, and feet are coordinated to reflect layers of percussive sounds. The Barong dance is performed when there is illness or misfortune in the village and there is therefore intended to dispel this "evil forces". People gather together at the mortuary temple, Pura Dalem. Women are carrying the offerings. At the temple beautiful umbrellas are used. If illness or adversity prevails in the village, the dance is performed. Evil spirits and demons come from the direction of the sea to the village.