Museum Bali: A Part of The Past

The Museum Bali is a tribute to the island's rich history and artistic legacy. It is located on the alluring island of Bali, which is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture. This museum provides tourists with a fascinating tour through Bali's history, art, and culture, going beyond its role as a simple collection of relics. 

This article explores the intriguing world of Museum Bali and explains why it's a must-see location for anyone wishing to comprehend the essence of Bali.

 

This is a story about I visited the oldest museum in Bali.. The Bali Museum is located in the center of Denpasar city. Addressed at Jalan Mayor Wisnu, the Bali Museum is open from 07.30-15.30 WITA. Except Friday, the museum is open from 07.30-13.00 WITA. The museum is closed on official holidays.

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In 1910, W.F.J Kroon, an Assistant Resident for South Bali, after obtaining sufficient input/contribution of thoughts from Th.A. Resink on cultural preservation, sparked an idea to establish an ethnographic museum to protect cultural objects from extinction. This proposal then received input from Th. A. Resink, a European who settled in Bali, and finally was supported by all the kings of Bali.

Thus finally, this museum was established to accommodate valuable relics from the past. All of these relics are stored in a building built with architecture representing several regions in Bali.

 

The museum's displays are carefully chosen to transport visitors across time. The displays provide a comprehensive overview of the island's history because they are split up into many parts, each devoted to a particular facet of Balinese culture. Some of the highlights are as follows:

Ethnographic Section: This section offers insights into Bali's diverse ethnic groups, showcasing traditional clothing, tools, and everyday objects used by different communities. It's a captivating glimpse into the island's social fabric.

Archaeological Section: Delve into Bali's prehistoric past through archaeological artifacts, including ancient tools, pottery, and relics that provide a window into the island's early inhabitants.

Art Collection: Perhaps one of the most breathtaking aspects of the museum is its collection of traditional Balinese art. Intricately carved woodwork, mesmerizing paintings, and exquisite textiles provide a deep appreciation for the artistic talents that have thrived on the island for centuries.

Ceremonial Objects: Bali's spiritual and religious practices come alive through the ceremonial objects on display. Elaborate masks, sacred textiles, and ritualistic artifacts shed light on the island's deep-rooted spiritual beliefs.

 

In the northwest corner stands a Balai Bengong (a hall) which during royal times was used as a resting place for the royal family when they wanted to observe the situation outside the palace. And in front of the Tabanan Building there is a beji (bath for the royal family). The roof of the building is made of palm fiber and in Bali it is only used for temple buildings.

On the inner courtyard there are three buildings called the Tabanan Building, the Karangasem Building, and the Buleleng Building which are used to display collections. The names of the buildings are taken from the names of the regions that contributed to the building and are considered to represent the architectural styles of South Bali, East Bali and North Bali. After construction was completed, the museum was officially opened on December 8, 1932 under the name Bali Museum, and managed by the Bali Museum Foundation.

On the 2nd floor of the east building, we will find various tools used in ancient Balinese society. Here you can also see some of the weapons from the colonial era, and a statue depicting the Dutch meneer.

Going down to the 1st floor, we will be invited to explore Bali in prehistoric times. All tools from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age can be seen here. There is also a diorama showing the life of early humans in Bali.

Exiting the east building, we will be invited to go through a gate that leads to the first building. The Buleleng Building has unique architecture with a two-storied roof. You can find the history of trade in Bali here. All kinds of ancient exchange instruments, from shells to kepeng coins, can be seen here. Friends can also see other uses of Uang Kepeng as a ceremonial tool or as a craft product.

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The second building, the Karang Asem Building, is the largest building among the other buildings. Karang Asem Building also has a different shape with a non-storied roof. In this building, everything on display is focused on the ‘Cili’ icon. Cili itself is a symbol of a woman with a pointed face, a slightly widened and sometimes pointed head, ears wearing large earrings and a slender waist. Cili's feet are never clearly shown.

Apart from learning the meaning of Cili as a symbol of fertility and the worship of Dewi Sri, we can also see various ceremonial tools used in the process of praying for Hindus in Bali.

The last building is the Tabanan Building. In the front hall, various types of dances and forms of barong are exhibited.

In the Tabanan Building, we can see various keris and their sheaths. We can also know the function of the keris in Balinese life as a ceremonial tool.

The king's bath which is now a fish pond is the final route of my visit to the Bali Museum. Historical developments from time to time really touched the heart. Likewise the struggles of warriors in the past. All of them write implicit notes in the traces left behind.

 

Conclusion

The Museum Bali is a physical representation of the rich history, art, and culture of Bali. Visitors have a rare chance to fully experience the island's rich past, which ranges from ancient archaeological discoveries to modern artistic interpretations. 

Keeping a place like Museum Bali are more crucial than ever in preserving Bali's distinctive identity as the island keeps developing. So, if you ever find yourself in this tropical haven, be sure to set aside some time to peruse the Museum Bali's fascinating exhibitions and take a trip through the heart and soul of Bali.

Reference:

https://www.denpasarkota.go.id/wisata/museum-bali