The Balinese

by J. Stephen Lansing

This study of the complex Balinese culture examines Balinese concepts of personhood and society; the integration of art into every aspect of Balinese life; the effects of the Guen Revolution on Balinese agriculture; the ecological role of their water temples in an age-old system of inigrate rice terraces; and the ethnohistory of Bali, including both colonial and Balinese views. The book is organized around four different periods of fieldwork and includes an appendix of available films and videos on the Balinese.

Genres: Anthropology, School, History, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 1994

About the author

John Stephen Lansing

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really 3 books combined: 1. an ethnography of the Balinese life cycle and inner compass (death, (re)birth, childhood, marriage), 2. an ecological survey of the water temple system used in the island's terraced rice cultivation, and 3. an ethno-historical view of Bali's relationship with the West from Colonialism to the birth of tourism. I not only enjoyed getting back into reading some Anthroplogy but my interest in the unique culture and religion of Bali has been piqued as well.

[Melissa Kidd · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. If you ever want to know tons on one culture, these ethnographies are the way to go. There was so much in this book that at times it was almost overwhelming. I did enjoy Lansing's humanist approach to cultural fieldwork versus Lee's materialist approach in The Dobe Ju/'Hoansi: Case Studies in Cultural Anthropology. This is definite must for anyone traveling to the region of Bali.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only the best ethnography known to man! (At least the best I've read, for whatever that's worth)

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic ethnography and a quick read. Great for intro classes