THE SACREDNESS AND COMMODIFICATION OF BANTEN: NEGOTIATING MEANING BETWEEN THE HINDU COMMUNITY AND NON-HINDU ARTISANS IN BALI

Abstract

Amid the growing influence of modernization and tourism in Bali, banten, the ritual offerings central to Balinese Hindu devotion, have begun to move beyond their traditional sacred function and enter the realm of everyday economic exchange. This transformation creates a delicate tension between spiritual meaning and material value, inviting renewed attention to the ways in which sacredness is understood and reshaped in contemporary cultural life. This study explores how the meaning of banten is negotiated and reinterpreted within the social encounters that bring Hindu communities and non-Hindu artisans into close collaboration. Using a qualitative approach grounded in cultural discourse analysis and anthropological literature, the research shows that commodification does not necessarily diminish spiritual significance. Instead, it can become a living space where spiritual values are reaffirmed through flexible and relational forms of practice. The participation of non-Hindu artisans reveals their role not only as producers of ritual goods but also as cultural partners who help sustain the rhythms of Hindu ritual life. The findings highlight that sacredness is not a fixed attribute but a dynamic process shaped through ongoing interactions among spiritual intention, economic activity, and the social identities of those involved. This study offers a human-centered perspective on ritual commodification, interreligious cooperation, and cultural resilience, providing new insights into how sacred meaning continues to evolve in the changing landscape of contemporary Bali.