The
Balinese population of 3.0 million (1.5% of
Indonesia's population) live mostly on the island of
Bali, making up 89% of the island's population. There are also significant populations on the island of
Lombok, and in the eastern-most regions of
Java (e.g. the Municipality of
Banyuwangi).it is the most populas hindu majority island in the world
Origins
The origins of the Balinese came from three periods: The first waves of immigrants came from Java and
Kalimantan in the prehistoric times of the proto-Malay stock; the second wave of Balinese came slowly over the years from Java during the
Hindu period; the third and final period came from Java, between the 15th and 16th centuries, at the time of the conversion of
Islam in Java, aristocrats fled to
Bali from the Javanese
Majapahit Empire to escape Islamic conversion, reshaping the Balinese culture into a
syncretic form of classical Javanese culture with many Balinese elements.
Culture
Balinese culture is perhaps most known for its dance, drama and sculpture. The culture is noted for its use of the
gamelan in music. The island is also known for its form of
Wayang kulit or
Shadow play/Shadow Puppet theatre. It also has several unique aspects related to their religions traditions. Balinese culture is a mix of Balinese Hindu/Buddhist religion and Balinese custom.
The Balinese language itself does not recognize the word 'artist', because artistic life is part of the traditional daily life. In which the past everyone in the...
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