Nelubulanin
Nelubulanin
Metatah
Metatah
Ngaben
Ngaben
Objects
A female ukur kepeng figure for the shroud of a deceased woman. Bali, Indonesia, date unknown. Metal coins, gilt, string, plant fiber. Courtesy of the Division of Anthropology, American Museum of Natural History, ASIA/0720 A.
Ukur Kepeng
Traditionally made up of ancient Chinese coins (kepeng), the ukur kepeng is evidence of cross-cultural exchange in Balinese history and culture. The ukur (literally, measure) is placed or sewn on top of several layers of textiles to complete the cremation shroud and is burned in the animal-shaped coffin. Ukur Kepeng is a representation of the deceased’s physical body where the coins symbolize the deceased’s bones and the yarn symbolizes the body’s nervous system.
Men carry a lembu or coffin in the shape of a winged lion to the cremation grounds to be burned during Ngaben. Ubud, Gianyar Province, Bali, Indonesia, 2016. Photo credit: Urmila Mohan.
Lembu Animal coffin
The wrapped symbolic body in the form of a shroud effigy of the deceased is placed inside an animal coffin to be burned. These coffins are called lembu and can be in the shape of a bull, lion, or a mythical creature depending on the caste of the deceased. Tourists often come to Bali to watch the spectacle of lembu being carried in procession from the temple to the cremation ground.
Several adegan or soul effigies from one village are grouped together on a ceremonial table in advance of Ngaben, Ubud, Gianyar Province, Bali, Indonesia, 2016. Photo credit: Urmila Mohan.
Adegan Soul Effigy
Once the deceased’s body is burned, the remains are placed in an effigy container called adegan (from the word adeg or to stand). Adegan contains the remains of the bones as an embodiment of the deceased and creates a foundation for the spirit. These elaborately clothed effigies include offerings such as woven palm leaf and flower decorations, and garments, as well as identifying labels.