Bale Kulkul in Balinese Architecture

The bale kulkul is a tower-like structure and usually occupies a prominent position in the village. The kulkul itself is a percussive device consisting of a hollow piece of timber with a slit in one side. It resonates when struck, rather like a wooden tubular bell, and is beaten to summon the local community to assemble. Different rhythms indicate the specific reason for the summons-for example, a meeting of household heads at the bale agung, or, in the past, a call to arms.

The building in which the kulkul is housed–it usually suspended from the rafters of the roof-may be simple or elaborate, depending on the wealth of the community. The more extravagantly ornamented examples showcase the skill of the local stonemasons.