Royal Gongs and Drums for a Balinese King and his People

What is it about?

Orchestras of bronze gongs still resonate throughout the walls of many Indonesian royal palaces as they have done for generations. On the island of Bali, one such gamelan orchestra called gong gede stands out as an icon of heritage shared by both kings and commoners. However, because it is performed only at the strict command of royal rulers, a delicate balance between the palace and the community must be maintained. With inheriting generations, reciprocity and allegiance are constantly tested to ensure this traditional orchestra's survival in the face of Bali's rapid cultural, sociological, and religious changes in the 21st century..

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Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study reveals that subjective historical narratives intertwine with realworld realities in the enduring intra-kingdom relationship between the Denpasar royal house and its music communities. These narratives about historic bronze gongs are informed by what may be referred to as a ‘lineage-based historical consciousness’ where commoner and king retell past events to inform and legitimize the historicity of genealogical descent. As opposed to being communal property under the management of a private musical troupe, the gamelan gong gede is still in a palace framework functioning much the way it did in feudal Bali – as a luxury ensemble at the disposal of a single royal family.

Perspectives