This palanquin or processional vehicle comes from Bali. It was probably used to transport deity figures called ‘arca lingga’ in various Hindu temple processions and ceremonies. These included annual cleaning ceremonies where the deity would be carried to a water source for ritual cleansing and circumambulation to drive away evil spirits. It is also believed that such vehicles were used to transport the ashes of the deceased after cremation.The fantastic architecture of the vehicle mirrors that of real temples in the Southeast Asia. The naga on the sides of the vehicle and the kala heads that flank the corners are guardian symbols designed to protect the structure. The black and white check pattern on the roof of the structure, known as a poleng pattern, symbolises the balance of positive and negative cosmic forces.
