Tobacco and lime boxes

Around 1520 in Java, the Hindu-Buddhist Majapahit dynasty finally collapsed and Islamic principalities arose in the west and along the north coast of Java. During this period, large numbers of the learned classes, nobility, artists and priests from Java fled to Bali, bringing with them the best of the Javanese traditional culture.

Under the central guidance of the Gelgel kingdom, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Bali experienced a long era of brilliance and power, and its sovereignty extended from eastern Java into Lombok. Following the demise of the Gelgel kingdom in the 17th century, Bali fragmented into a number of petty principalities, continuously warring over land, dominance and prestige. With several royal patrons competing for talent, village performers and artisans were naturally attracted to palace life. Over time this royal patronage helped bridge court and village realms, traditions and performing practices.