Bronze artifacts and the rise of complex society in Bali

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to determine the classification, distribution and social functions of metal objects from sarcophagus burials in Bali. Questions of chronology and the sources of raw materials for early metallurgy in Bali are also examined. The metal artifacts which have been analysed in this study are preserved in the Central Museum, Jak arta; in the Museum Bali, Denpasar; in the collection of the Directorate of History and National Heritage, Gianyar; and in the collection of Archaeological Research in Denpasar. Most of the metal objects from sarcophagus burials in Bali can be classified as ornament. These include bracelets, finger rings, finger protectors, arm protectors, wire necklace units, waist belts, ear rings, chains and pentagonal plates. Several a rtifacts can also be classified as tools or implements, including axes of crescentbladed and heart-bladed types. These bracelets, pentagonal plates and axes of crescent-bladed and heart-bladed types have been found not only in the sarcophagus burial sites but also in the necropolis and settlement sites at Gilimanuk. Based on the distributions of those artifacts it seems th a t exchange between the inhabitants of the inland and people of the coastal sites may have occurred during the Early Metal period in Bali. The appearance of metal working in Bali, which lacked raw materials both of tin and copper, also indicates long distance trade. Both raw materials may have been derived from islands west of Bali; tin may have been obtained from Bangka, Belitung and adjacent areas, and copper exists in Sumatra and Java. A comparative study with other island Southeast Asian sites which have been dated indicates th a t early metallurgy in Bali may have developed at the first half of the first millennium AD. Metal objects from sarcophagus burials in Bali might have had high statu s value as social symbols. Those who had access to metal objects might thus have held high rank in the society. The occurrence of early metal working in Bali may also relate to an economic surplus dependent on wet rice cultivation. The condition of Balinese society during the Early Metal period was a crucial factor behind subsequent state formation in Bali.