 |
|
The Dutch scholars documented what they "discovered" (unlike for the Balinese, it had only been covered for them) in government articles. Soon they were followed by cultural anthropologists, artists, eccentrics, and tourists from all over the world and they captured Bali in books, photographs, paintings, and films. In their stories and images Bali became an exotic place. It was their last paradise on earth. An island of the gods where people lived in harmony with nature and culture and a place that needed to be protected from the destruction of the twentieth century. The Dutch, always looking for ways to justify their colonial order, didn't have to think twice. Gracefully, they took the noble task upon them of protecting Bali's culture and people. |
