Balinese Cremation [1928, Bali]
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This film does not include any dance; instead, it serves as a partial record of a cremation ceremony in Bali. This includes a parade of people wearing elaborate headdresses as well as a few very tall monuments.
Complete catalog record
Cfa collection: Ruth Page Collection
Notes: The film begins with two ELSs, setting the scene for a cremation in Bali. Tall monuments are being moved into place, and many people are milling about. Next, it includes a CU of the detail work on decor for the ceremony and then a LS of a procession of individuals with tall and complex headdresses.; The film then cuts frequently between following the body to be cremated approach its destination, onlookers, and further ceremonial preparations. The body is ushered through the crowd and up a tall tower of some sort; it is then lowered down to the pyre, which is adorned with what appears to be a dragon's head. The camera captures the body being burned from the side, and goes on to capture other nearby buildings, presumably with a related significance, before returning to the pyre.; At the end of the film, the camera captures what appears to be a tribute fire at night. After a few moments with that ELS, the film ends.
Subjects: Funeral rites and ceremonies
Places: Asia > Indonesia > Bali
Language: English
Cfa elements: Reversal Positives, 80 feet
Cfa records: https://collections.chicagofilmarchives.org/Detail/objects/8899
Notes: The film begins with two ELSs, setting the scene for a cremation in Bali. Tall monuments are being moved into place, and many people are milling about. Next, it includes a CU of the detail work on decor for the ceremony and then a LS of a procession of individuals with tall and complex headdresses.; The film then cuts frequently between following the body to be cremated approach its destination, onlookers, and further ceremonial preparations. The body is ushered through the crowd and up a tall tower of some sort; it is then lowered down to the pyre, which is adorned with what appears to be a dragon's head. The camera captures the body being burned from the side, and goes on to capture other nearby buildings, presumably with a related significance, before returning to the pyre.; At the end of the film, the camera captures what appears to be a tribute fire at night. After a few moments with that ELS, the film ends.
Subjects: Funeral rites and ceremonies
Places: Asia > Indonesia > Bali
Language: English
Cfa elements: Reversal Positives, 80 feet
Cfa records: https://collections.chicagofilmarchives.org/Detail/objects/8899
Sources
- Chicago Film Archives · record ↗ — title, year, length, format, color, sound, genre, description, catalog record, video
Record added 2026-11-08 21:25:11