After posting about Barong Dance, now balitour.net will try to explain the kinds of barongs which exist in Bali. Besides Barong Ket which is often performed for tourism purpose, there are also other kinds of barongs such as Barong Bangkal, Barong Brutuk, and so forth. Below will be explained those kinds of Balinese Barong.

Barong Ket

Barong Ket or Barong Keket is the most popular barong in Bali. Barong Ket has a body of combination between, lion, ox, and dragon. Its body is decorated with complicated sculptured leather and pieces of mirrors which looks shiny. The feathers of Barong Ket are made of combination between pandan leaves fiber and palm leaves fiber and sometimes, crow’s feathers.

Barong Ket is performed by two dancers called Juru Saluk or Juru Bapang. The first Juru Bapang plays the role as head, and the second as tail. In a show, Barong Ket is oftern performed fighting Rangda, an evil witch with scary face. The fighting between Barong Ket and Rangda is the symbol of the eternal war between virtue and evil in the universe. Barong Ket Dance is usually accompanied by gamelan (orchestra) Semar Pagulingan.

Barong Bangkal

Barong Bangkal is a barong with boar form. This dance is usually performed by “Ngelawang” or dancing from house to house around a village in the celebration of Galungan-Kuningan days. This barong is also a good entertainment for children, because while Ngelawang this barong usually chase the kids who watch the performance. Instead of frightened, these kids usually get happy and excited, then try to provoke Barong Bangkal to chases them. This barong is performed by two dancers with Gamelan Batel/Tetamburan background music.

Barong Macan

Macan means tiger, so Barong Macan is a Tiger Barong. This barong’s body form is similar with Barong Ket, but with tiger’s strips and tiger face. The performance of Barong Macan is similar with Barong Bangkal, by Ngelawang around the village. Usually, the performance is completed with a drama. Barong Macan is performed by two dancers accompanied by Gamelan Batel.

Barong Gajah

Gajah means elephant. As its name implies, Barong Gajah is in a form of elephant. This kind of Barong is in the category of rare because of its sacredness. Barong Gajah can only be seen in some villages of Gianyar, Tabanan, Badung and Bangli. This barong is performed by two dancers as head and tail. Only on special occasions, this barong will be used for Ngelawang around the village. This barong performance is accompanied by Gamelan Batel or Tetamburan.

Barong Asu

Barong Asu is Barong in a form of dog. Similar with Barong Gajah, Barong Asu is also categorized as rare barong. This barong only exists in some village in Tabanan and Badung. This barong is performed by two dancers as the head and tail. This Barong Asu is only performed in special occasions accompanied by Gamelan Batel, Tetamburan, or Beleganjur.

Barong Landung

Barong Landung is a human-like barong with very tall body. The height of this barong is equal to two man’s height. The male figure is called Jero Gede, meanwhile the female figure is called Jero Luh. Reputedly, this barong was made for repelling the evil spirits who created disasters. Balinese believed that these spirits were the subordinates of Ratu Gede Mecaling, the ruler of spirits world in the South Bali Ocean. One day, a holy priest came up with an idea for deceiving these evil spirits by creating barong similar to Ratu Gede Mecaling who was very tall, black, and fanged. The barong was then paraded around the village. Apparently, this effort works well. The evil spirits thought that the barong was their master and then escaped scared. Until now, in some villages this barong is still paraded around the village to expel disasters.

Barong Kedingkling or Barong Blasblasan

Barong Kedingkling is also called Barong Blasblasan or Barong Nong-Nong Kling. Barong Kedingkling has a very different appearance and form compared to the previously explained barongs. This barong is more like a Balinese mask dance costume which is often seen in the dance shows. Barong Kedingkling has a lot of characters which are similar with the characters of Wayang Wong Dance. The story performed is also the same; the fragment of Ramayan epic’s battle. Barong Kedingkling could be found in Gianyar, Bangli and Klungkung.

Barong Brutuk

Among all the barongs in Bali, Barong Brutuk is the rarest kind. This barong could only be found in Terunyan Village, an isolated area across Batur Lake, Bangli which is also famous for its unique funeral process. Barong Brutuk has a more primitive form compared to the other barongs. The mask of this barong is made from coconut shell, while the costume is from dried banana leaves. This barong symbolizes the holy spirits who are the subordinates of Ida Ratu Pancering Jagat whose spirit dwells the Pancering Jagat Temple. The dancers are also not haphazardly chosen. The one who is given permission to perform this barong is a sanctified adolescent. Barong Brutuk is performed by dancing with whip while running inside the temple. Barong Brutuk is accompanied by Gamelan Beleganjur or Bebonangan.