The Shimmering Sounds of Alangö

As dawn breaks over Budaga, Klungkung, the sun casts a timid glow on the wet earth. The rain overnight has left behind the distinctive musky fragrance of the earth that mingles with the morning chill.

On this auspicious day of purnama—the full moon—I Wayan Sudiarta, adorned in the traditional white attire of kamen, saput, and udeng, carefully navigates the puddled path, journeying to the esteemed village temple, regarded as Pura Desa lan Bale Agung.

Therein, Sudiarta is fulfilling his duties as the pamangku, or temple priest, officiating a ritual ceremony as this day summons the collective devotion of the Hindu community as they pay homage to Sang Hyang Chandra, the moon goddess.

In the realm of Hindu Dharma traditions, the luminous purnama (full moon) and the enigmatic tilem (new moon) emerge not merely instances in time but sacred rendezvous where the devout contemplate and ascend prayers to Sang Hyang Widhi, the Almighty Creator, seeking divine blessings and kindliness.

As he enters through the apit lawang (main gate), Jro Mangku, as we commonly address temple priests, strides gracefully to the constellation of shrines, settling down to arrange his ritual tools in preparation for the prayers.

His apparatuses include foundational items, including a dulang (wooden offering tray) and an incense holder. For the ceremonial offerings, he has the pasepan (incense burner bowl), sangku (holy water container), and sesirat (a string of grass leaves used to sprinkle holy water). His caratan (clay waterpot) holds clean water, while a special petabuhan bottle contains arak and berem, traditional liquors. The ritual setup is completed with a canting (a small-bowled dipper) and an array of vibrantly colored flowers.

While sitting cross-legged with deep reverence, Jro Mangku carefully unfurls his kompek, a woven bamboo bag. From within, he retrieves the heart of his ritual apparatus—the genta. This sacred bell, a family heirloom, resonates with decades of religious tradition. Its sonorous sound, a harmonious fuse of past and present, serves as an irreplaceable device in Hindu ceremonies, bridging the ardent to the divine.

Tolling the genta, Jro Mangku commences the ritual, eyes closed in profound meditation. Beneath those lids, one can sense an intense focus, a deep journey inward. He is not only present within the temple’s walls; he’s traversing the mystifying pathways of his soul, reaching outwards to the celestial realm.

Om awighnam astu namo sidham. Om sidhirastu tad astu swaha.
Oh, Divine One, in your boundless mercy and grace, I embark upon this endeavor. May no obstacles hinder my path, and may it culminate in resounding success.

As his chants begin, each meticulously articulated syllable becomes accentuated by the rhythmic chime of the genta. Its echoing ring weaves sonic waves of tranquility, filling the space with reverence. The very air seems to thicken, each prayer ascending gracefully amid the heady fragrance of sweet-scented incense.

The prayers transform into fervent pleas, seeking the divine power’s blessings. It’s a profound moment of spirituality, where he implores the gods to cleanse the bhuwana agung (macrocosm) and the bhuwana alit (microcosm), to melt away the burdens of mala—the impurities that cloud spiritual clarity.

As the ritual culminates with the sprinkling of holy water and the pouring of tetabuhan to appease bhuta kala—a cosmic force often linked with negative spirits—an aura of relief envelops the surroundings.

It’s as if the blessings of the full moon have appeased and harmonized the interplay between the physical world 'sekala' and the temporal dimension ‘niskala’, maintaining balance in the world.

Om dewa suksma parama acintyaya namah swaha, sarwa karya prasidhantam,
Om Santih, Santih, Santih, Om.
Oh, supreme being, both mysterious and magnificent, only by Your grace has this endeavor been accomplished successfully. May there be peace in the heart and in the world for eternity.

As he makes his way home, the day’s warmth slowly evaporates the lingering rain puddles, and the day draws to a close with a gentle exhale, punctuated by his bright, contented smile.

Come afternoon, that same grin will adorn his face as he dons the mantle of a bellsmith.

From Temple Grounds to Forge Fires

Just as the temple grounds bear witness to his spiritual devotion, the forge awaits, where metal transforms under Jro Mangku’s skilled hands, echoing another facet of his legacy as a renowned traditional bellsmith.

Jro Mangku Wayan Sudiarta, aged 58, is a living testament to the duality of responsibilities—a spiritual guide and a craftsman—and how they intricately weave the fabric of Bali’s religious practices and the arts. As a priest, he shapes prayers into pathways to the divine; as a bellsmith, he shapes metal into instruments of devotion.

In regards to being an artisan, he belongs to a lineage of genta artisans deeply rooted in the community of Banjar Budaga, Klungkung. His craft was inherited from his father, I Wayan Karya, and further back, from his grandfather, Jro Mangku Wenten.

Klungkung regency is a mosaic of metallurgical mastery. Budaga is celebrated for its genta (bells), Tihingan resonates with gamelan (musical instruments), Kusamba sharpens its reputation with daggers, knives, and blades, Kamasan commemorates with kepéng (ceremonial coins), Tojan crafts the revered dulang (offering trays), and Gelgel carries its legacy with bokor (bowls).

The Balinese genta, also known as bajra, is a multifaceted object that extends beyond its original religious function to include realms of sculpture, music, and personal mindfulness.

In Balinese ceremonial rites, the genta holds a crucial position. It forms part of the “Panca Gita,” or the hierarchy of five sacred sounds that comprise the kulkul, gamelan, kidung, genta, and mantram.

To better understand each function during a temple festival: the kulkul, a wooden-slit drum, summons the community together; the rhythmic sounds of the gamelan set the atmosphere and accompany the rituals; the vocal melodies of kidung extol praise and impart moral codes; and the deep resonance of the genta amplifies the priest’s mantram, composing the spiritual essence of the ceremony.

To accentuate this, the genta’s ringing sound contributes to a peaceful spiritual atmosphere by weaving a sonic depth that reflects how the Balinese attempt to make each ceremony a microcosm of the cosmos, bringing the heavens closer to earth and allowing devotees to connect with the divine on a profound level.

Yet its significance doesn’t end on the temple grounds. The genta is also an affirmation of Balinese craftsmanship and artistic flair, following its intricate motifs and designs as well as ringing sounds. From top to bottom, the stick, the dome, the palit (clapper), and each precious stone tell a story.

Additionally, the genta carves out a distinct musical niche for itself. The distinctive sound it produces has permeated the wider world of music. The genta demonstrates its versatility and compatibility with a wide range of compositions when used in orchestras, ensembles, or as a standalone instrument. Its distinct timbre and resonance add depth and atmosphere to music, proving its versatility beyond its ritual context.

Furthermore, in an era of rising mindfulness, the genta’s clear, resonating sound serves as a focal point in meditation sessions, promoting mental clarity and focus as well as transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

Jro Mangku’s immersion in this craft and what it represents began in his formative years. Carrying forward the legacy of his ancestors, he has expanded the reach of this traditional Bali craft globally.

In reflecting on his journey, Sudiarta remarked, “This is a hereditary skill.” Sudiarta views his craft not merely as a local treasure but as a universal conduit of peace, healing, and cosmic reverence. Whether crafting new gentas or refurbishing old ones, his touch speaks of dexterity.

There is a big grin on his face whenever he mentions that his gentas have found homes beyond Bali, in regions such as Java, Lombok, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Papua, and even across continents, including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Australia.

When questioned about the sheer number of gentas he’s crafted over the years—believed to be in the hundreds—Sudiarta responds with humility, “I lose count.” For him, each genta isn’t just a transaction but a transmission of Bali’s rich cultural heritage and its underlying philosophy.

Even as modern techniques offer shortcuts, enabling Sudiarta to produce a genta within a week, he still cherishes the manual crafting process, investing the traditional fourteen days to handcraft a single genta. In my experience observing Balinese artists, the act of handcrafting is not merely an intimate-tactile connection to the medium; it’s a subtle transfer of ‘taksu’, the island’s sacred essence of inner charisma and stage presence.

Being the youngest of five siblings, Sudiarta carries the weight of preserving the waning art of bell-smithing in Budaga, Klungkung. As a custodian of a centuries-old tradition, he yearns to transmit this ancestral know-how, ensuring that the melodies of the genta continue to resonate with future generations.

And in this mission, amid the glowing embers and rhythmic clangs of the forge, innovation such as physical-backed tokens by Quantum Temple plays an exciting and important role, amplifying and supporting such noble aspirations.

The Bell of Alangö: The Premier Cultural Artifact NFT of Bali

Before earning its prestigious recognition as Bali’s first-ever Cultural Artifact NFT, the traditional artistry and essence of genta, championed by Jro Mangku Wayan Sudiarta and his community, had been prominently showcased as part of Quantum Temple’s suite of Cultural Heritage NFTs, thoughtfully curated under “Paths to Alangö” by Stephen Lansing.

The “Paths to Alangö” digital arts vividly encapsulate the rich tapestry of Bali’s intangible cultural heritage, spanning from intricate rituals and evocative performing arts to profound spiritual practices.

Jro Mangku’s NFT is titled "A Bell to Create Alangö."

The concept of the Cultural Artifact NFT, alternatively termed “physical-backed tokens”, takes a revolutionary step beyond the digital realm. While they serve as digital tokens in the virtual space, they also pave a unique pathway for holders to claim tangible, handcrafted artifacts.

And in the hands of master artisans like Sudiarta, the genta isn’t mere objects; it represents timeless embodiments of tradition, meticulously fashioned to uphold and celebrate the rich cultural legacy of Bali.

The visionary approach of Cultural Artifact NFTs can be seen as a digital twin that connects the ancient and the digital, ensuring a contemporary platform for traditional artisans and bringing global recognition to their craft while also ensuring its digital immortality.

By tokenizing these artifacts, Quantum Temple not only secures their provenance and authenticity but also introduces an exciting economic model that can benefit the artisans directly.

Linda Adami, founder and CEO of Quantum Temple, envisions that this novel model can rejuvenate interest in these crafts, encourage the younger generation to continue these scarce traditions, and ensure that the personal mastery and stories behind each artifact do not fade into obscurity.

Crafting the Sacred Echo of Bali

Delving into the meticulous craftsmanship of the Bell of Alangö showcases Jro Mangku’s artisanal brilliance. forging meticulous technique with deep-rooted tradition.

Beginning with an artisan’s detailed sketch, every curve and ornament of the genta is delineated. A mold is then fashioned from beeswax, capturing the envisioned patterns. This wax is gently softened, either basking in sunlight or, when skies are overcast, over the warm canopy of a traditional prapen or furnace.

Once malleable, the wax is shaped meticulously to mirror the intended design. The distinct parts of the genta, including the katik (handle), kluwung (body), and palit (tongue), are enrobed in musa, a black earth, and left to bask under the sun. A blend of crushed brick and péré soil reinforces the mold, shielding it from potential casting leaks. After a sunlit rest, an opening is made at its base.

Further, a dual process ensues: the mold is warmed until the wax smoothly exits, while the chosen metal—often bronze or brass—melts into liquid form. This scorching metal, a testament to transformation, is guided into the mold, awaiting its cool metamorphosis.

An elemental mix of metals known as “Panca Datu" (referring to the five principal metals, which include gold, silver, copper, iron, and brass) is imbued in the mold as a symbolic representation of the five essential powers, known as “Panca Maha Bhuta,” which purport earth, water, fire, air, and ether.

Nearly complete, the resultant genta is an entity yearning for finesse. The journey of refinement follows suit; through lathing, carving, and sound finetuning, it finds its voice—a resonance defined by its dome’s dimensions and casting’s density. The carving of specific decorations for the kluwung unfolds on a gala, or wooden stage.

Specific to the Bell of Alangö are the beautiful carvings representing the numerous weapons of “Dewata Nawa Sanga."

“Dewata Nawa Sanga,” also known as “Natadewa,” denotes the nine principal deities or manifestations of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, the Supreme Creator, in Balinese Hinduism. These cardinal directions, beyond being associated with sacred weapons, are also linked with consecrated consorts, mounts, colors, sounds, letters, numbers, temples, and more.

For example, in the Natadewata, Vishnu is positioned in the northern direction, wielding the Cakra Sudarsana. He mounts on the fearless Garuda and is partnered with his consort, Dewi Lakshmi. He projects the letter and sound ‘a’, number four, and the color black. His reverence in Bali is celebrated in Batur Temple.

The genta, now in parts, reunites in harmony. Personal touches, from silvery chrome to rustic black, are then invited. For those valuing ease, a golden plate offers effortless cleanliness. Once assembled, manual smoothing and meticulous polishing reveal the genta’s gleam.

Last but not least, beyond the physical, the genta craves spiritual ascension. The banten pejati bridges the bell and the cosmos, symbolizing a sacred transfer—from the artisan’s hands to the custodian’s heart, under the benevolent gaze of the Almighty Creator. This ritualistic offering can also be interpreted as a manifestation of one’s sincerity and dedication.

Through these meticulous steps, the artisan creates not just a ceremonial bell but an artistic object that connects the earthly and the divine, echoing the rich cultural heritage of “Wali,” the land of newfound zest, a place where purity, righteousness, and beauty are reborn in perpetuity.

For Jro Mangku, the union between Bali’s rich traditions and Quantum Temple’s innovative approach is reminiscent of pranayama, the artful balance of breathing.

As we inhale, we welcome the external air, much like how Bali has embraced Quantum Temple’s fresh perspectives, infusing newfound vigor for the island. Conversely, with each exhale, Bali’s enriched essence energizes, overflowing its rejuvenated spirit into the world.

This confluence serves as a reminder that Alangö—our collective aesthetic allure—is a luminous moonlight for our shared destiny and a reverberating voice, guiding the way with cultural zest and unity.

As we bid farewell, we place our hands over our chests and voice our profound appreciation, saying “matur suksma”, rendering our heartfelt gratitude from the soul.

This is a call to action for all visionaries, artists, storytellers, historians, conscious collectors, and every individual who has ever been touched by Bali’s magic.

Your expertise, passion, and knowledge will ensure that our collective cultural repository is rich, diverse, and comprehensive.

Become a guardian of our traditions, a herald of our future, and let’s co-create the next chapter of Bali’s magnificent story. Join us on this transformative and regenerative journey here.