Rice and fertility played a part in Bali art scene

Bali sits 8 degrees south of the equator. Its volcanic soil and seemingly limitless supply of water make it a superb environment in which to grow things. Rice is the staple crop and its abundance, 3 or 4 crops a year, have meant Balinese people have had time to devote to their arts and culture.

The Goddess of Rice, Dewi Sri, is honored by Balinese when they sit to drink tuak. Sometimes the first sip is spilt on the ground in her honor. Some of the simplest and most attractive decorations in Bali are the offerings made to Dewi Sri out of palm leaf strips that are dried and folded. These offerings ensure the continued fertility of the soil. Passing a rice field (sawah) you will often notice a small shrine to Goddess Dewi Sri.