Goa Gajah Cave

near Ubud
Bali, Indonesia

This cave's most celebrated feature is the witch Rangda, who peers out above the entrance (next page). Her eyes look to the right, a pose not otherwise known in Indonesian kalas, where eyes-ahead or eyes-left is the usual rule. Her hands are amusingly positioned on either side of her head, as if she is pushing aside the rock to give herself a better view. The figure was found in damaged condition, and has been heavily restored. She is surrounded by a freely-carved scene of mountains, forests, and clouds, among which some small figures are visible. The statues in front of the cave are not in their original position; they are leftovers from the excavation, moved here for display.