ABSTRACT
Everybody in Bali seems to be an artist. Coolies and princes, priests and peasants, men and women alike, can dance, play musical instruments, paint, or carve in wood and stone. It was often surprising to discover that an otherwise poor and dilapitated village harboured an elaborate temple, a great orchestra, or a group of actors of repute. The art history of Bali runs parallel to the history of the island itself. When Bali became a colony of Java, the conquering aristocracy brought their art with them, and every political event in Java has had a powerful influence in the development of Balinese culture. The Pedjeng drum is regarded with great reverence, and people often bring it offerings. Already in the records of Chinese travellers of the fifth century it is mentioned that in the country of “Poli,” perhaps Bali, there were Hindu princes, and that the travellers were received by priests who danced around them blowing conch-shells.
