This chap is my Ogoh-Ogoh. Acquired on a holiday to Bali in 1994, I have cared for him ever since, and he has cared for me. I can't quite believe that he is 18 years old!
The name Ogoh Ogoh appears to be a catch all for monster in Bali.
They are made in the form of creatures of the underworld known in Balinese as buta-kala. The creatures are based on characters taken from traditional myths and legends, however in modern times many also take the form of modern characters, including even people in the media or in the government.
Before the Hindu new year, Nyepi, is celebrated in the spring by a day of silence – you can find Ogoh Ogoh everywhere in Bali.
There are probabaly people who know more about Ogoh Ogoh than me, but I love mine, even if he is a monster.
Great lighting that shows off his dimensions well. I love to collect special things on travels - always a great memory when you look at them months and years later.
Neat statue and interesting story. The lighting is great, nice relief in the textures. But 1994 was NOT 18 years ago... or was it..? *does math*.... crap! Sigh. lol.
So cool! I love Indonesian folk art. I taught teachers in Jakarta on three different occasions in the 1980s as part of an overseas program Michigan State offered. What an amazing country!
@taffy It is. I have cherished my Ogoh Ogoh for nearly 20 years now. As I type he watches over me from a few inches away at the side of my computer screens. It would break my heart if anything were ever to happen to him.
February 21st, 2013
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