Toothfiling

Cockfighting is still an important element of Balinese life, although it is not as widespread or as significant as it used to be.

In days past, a great deal of money was spent in the hunt for good fighting cocks and even more on gambling at the fights. But cokfighting is more than just sport. To the Balinese, it has a ritual significant as well. A the annual two day ceremony known as Nyepi, held at spring equinox, when every community holds a vast general cleaning-out of devil, cockfighting has an essential part to play. On the first day of Nyepi, the government allows unrestricted gambling and cockfighting, because the spilling blood is believed to furify the earth.

On the morning of Nyepi, the crowds gather. Each man brings his favourite fighting cock in a satchel, its tail feathers sticking out to avoid damaging them. The birds are presented to the onlookers and the betting begins. Vicious steel blades are attached to the right foot of each cock in place of natural spur and the two protagonists are let loose to face each other.

Most fights are over in seconds in a flash of fury and flurry of feathers. If one bird runs away at the begining it is disqualified, but otherwise the fight is always to the death.

Although cockfighting might not appeal to some people as a tourist attraction, it is fascinating to watch the excitment and involvement of the audience.