The Rejangs, stunning photographs by Jill Gocher

The Rejangs

In Bali, every year after the holy week of Galungan, the tiny hamlets surrounding the holy Mt Lempuyang come alive with their own celebrations.

Each village showcases the sacred Rejang dance, performed by the young village virgins. Each village boasts distinctively different headdresses although the dance remains the same.

The dance is accompanied by an ancient gamelan known as Selonding whose stately silvery tomes enhance any occasion.

In these photos I have abstracted the girls from their surroundings to highlight their natural grace and beauty without the distractions of too much colour or crowd.

1/©Jill Gocher

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1/©Jill Gocher

Jill Gocher, a Bali based international photographer, has spent her life exploring and enjoying Asian cultures. Her work has appeared in National Geographic, Time, International Herald Tribune, Asia Spa, Discovery, Silver Kris and many more. Her books – Asia’s legendary Hotels, Periplus, Bali- Island of Light – Marshall Cavendish, Indonesia – Islands of the Imagination. Periplus, Australia – the land down under – Times Editions, Singapore, Indonesia – the last paradise – Times Editions. She has held exhibitions in Singapore, Kathmandu, and Bali. Photojournalist + Media Consultant, AmazonPage: www.amazon.com/author/jillgocher instagram jillgocher

©Jill Gocher