As you journey through Bali, your eyes will see a constant tapestry of vibrant colors. They will also see lush greenery and intricate carvings. Woven into this landscape is one of the island’s most striking symbols: the sacred Balinese black and white cloth. You’ll see it wrapped around the base of ancient banyan trees. It also adorns statues at the entrance to temples. Additionally, village guards wear it during ceremonies.
This cloth, known as Saput Poleng, is far more than just a decoration. It is a profound spiritual symbol. It visually represents the core philosophy that underpins Balinese life. As your friendly hosts at Merusaka Nusa Dua, we invite you to look deeper into the weave. Discover the beautiful story behind this iconic textile.
The Philosophy of Rwa Bhineda – The Sacred Balance
To understand the Saput Poleng, we must first understand a fundamental concept in Balinese Hinduism: Rwa Bhineda.
Rwa Bhineda is the philosophy of the two opposites. It is the belief that the universe is a harmonious balance. It contains two contrasting, yet inseparable, forces. Think of day and night. Think of good and evil, joy and sorrow, and the sacred and the profane. One cannot exist without the other. Together, they create a perfect, balanced whole. The ultimate goal of Balinese spiritual life is not to defeat the negative. Instead, people work to maintain harmony between these two opposing forces.
The Meaning in the Weave
The Saput Poleng is a physical, visual manifestation of this profound philosophy. The checkered pattern is a constant, public reminder of balance. Each color holds deep symbolic meaning.
- White (Putih): This color represents the positive forces. It symbolizes holiness, purity, and the creative elements of the universe.
- Black (Hitam): This color represents the negative forces. It symbolizes chaos, the worldly, and the destructive elements that are also a natural part of life.
The intertwined, checkered pattern beautifully illustrates something. These two forces are not in conflict. They are inseparably woven together. They exist in a perfect balance. This creates the harmony of the cosmos.
The Different Types of Poleng
If you look closely, you may notice different variations of the poleng cloth. While the black and white version is the most common, each type has a slightly different, deeper meaning.
- Saput Poleng Rwa Bhineda: This is the classic black and white check. It represents the core philosophy of duality.
- Saput Poleng Sudhamala: This cloth has black, white, and grey checks. The grey represents the space in between. It is the neutral force that balances the two extremes.
- Saput Poleng Tridatu: This cloth has black, white, and red checks. The red represents the active, creative, and passionate energy of the god Brahma, the Creator.
Where You Will See Saput Poleng
This sacred cloth is used to signify places, objects, and people of special spiritual significance. Here are the most common places you will see it:
- Wrapped Around Trees & Stones: Do you see Saput Poleng wrapped around a large, ancient tree or a significant stone? It is a sign that the Balinese believe the object has a spiritual energy. It could also be inhabited by a guardian spirit. The cloth serves as a respectful acknowledgement of this presence.
- On Guardian Statues: The fearsome guardian statues (dwarapala) often flank the entrance to temples and villages. People frequently dress them in Saput Poleng. This signifies their role as protectors. They can distinguish between good and evil.
- Worn by People: The cloth is a part of the uniform for pecalang. These are the traditional village security guards. They keep order during large temple ceremonies. You will also see it worn by performers in certain sacred dances, such as the Barong dance.
Conclusion: A Philosophy Woven into Life
The Saput Poleng is a beautiful and constant reminder of the Balinese pursuit of harmony. It reminds us of balance in all aspects of life. It is a philosophy not just written in ancient texts. It is woven into a cloth that is a visible part of the everyday landscape.
The next time you see this iconic Balinese black and white cloth, we hope you will see it with new eyes. It is not just a piece of fabric. It is a deep and beautiful story about the very nature of the universe.
