13th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Working Mangku

The Balinese Priest or "Mangku" plays a important role in Hinduism on the Island of Bali. These individuals are responsible for connecting and communicated with the spirit world. In this photo a Balinese Mangku spends the day making house calls to bless livestock and residences. Here you can see the Mangkus "tools" flowers, bells, magic rings and an array of crafted artifacts made from wood and Panadas leaf. All used to perform Balinese rituals.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2015
Date Uploaded: 09.2015
Photo Location: Bali, Indonesia
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Copyright: © Michael Morgan