These Chinese plates, age undetermined, have been cemented into the walls of Pura Kehen, the second largest temple on Bali and the most sacred in the area. It was after leaving this temple that I met a priest and his wife after officiating a wedding very nearby.
The complex of Pura Kehen is elaborate, and it has several parts to it. One must climb a very steep set of stone steps to get to the first level (the most ancient section); once there, you can see an assortment of worship areas, elaborate carvings of demons whose job it is to scare away malevolent spirits, and a waringan tree (I think a Banyan) that has a very tall tower "tree house" (it houses the drum according to my research).
At one end of this area is a worship area that is dedicated specifically to Chinese spirits (as my guide told me) and it looked much more contemporary, as did the cement behind this Chinese plate installation into the ancient walls. It was an odd addition just like the Dutch tea cups on the table in the pre-Hindu Tenganan Village. I'll have to do more research to find the significance of the plates beyond the obvious decorative purpose. I'll be working on the Tehen shots next I believe. So many photos! But it's a blast remembering my trip and trying to write the journal part (albeit a bit late--my memory fades so fast!).
They do look as if they have some Dutch influence with the blues and the designs. I remember climbing up heaps of steps in Malaysia in raging heat and feeling as if I had a dicky heart, then that would be it!
You have remembered so much detail so far. Did you write a diary whilst there to jog your memory? Fascinating to see bowls cemented to the wall like that.
@888rachel I truly did not have the time, and I am so divorced from pen and paper (did not take my computer alas) that I would write something and then it would get lost. Thankfully, I have my itinerary, so the photos provide visual cues for the memories. @maggiemae the Dutch did rule for some time there, so it could be dutch plates. The one on the right has a distinctly Asian theme; it's a real odd assortment given the context of this ancient temple! @linnypinny thanks so much Lin @grammyn Katy, I originally thought Dutch, but there is little info on this wall!
