Religion and architecture in premodern Indonesia

By Gaudenz Domenig

Book Description

Discover how ancient spiritual beliefs shaped the very foundations of Indonesian homes and sacred spaces in this fascinating exploration of architecture as a bridge between the physical and divine realms. Gaudenz Domenig reveals how indigenous communities across the Indonesian archipelago designed their buildings not merely for shelter, but as sacred instruments capable of attracting and guiding spiritual beings.

Through meticulous research and rich visual documentation, this comprehensive study illuminates the profound connection between religious practice and architectural form. The author examines how traditional builders incorporated specific materials and design elements that functioned as spiritual pathways, allowing deities and ancestral spirits to descend and partake in ceremonial offerings presented within these sacred structures.

The book delves into the spiritual significance of land opening ceremonies and the preservation of sacred groves, demonstrating how these practices influenced architectural decisions across generations. What modern observers might dismiss as merely decorative or unusual features of vernacular Indonesian buildings are revealed to be purposeful spiritual technologies, carefully crafted to facilitate communion between human and divine realms.

For readers interested in understanding how spiritual beliefs manifest in physical form, this scholarly work offers profound insights into the intersection of faith, culture, and built environments. Domenig's extensive use of historical sources provides a window into worldviews where architecture served as an active participant in religious life, creating spaces where the sacred could literally dwell among communities.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~16 hours)

📄 Length: 576 pages

What You'll Discover

✓ Explore Religious life and customs
✓ Explore Architecture and religion
✓ Explore Religious aspects
✓ Explore Sacred space
✓ Explore Vernacular architecture
✓ Explore Prehistoric Architecture
✓ Explore Religion
✓ Explore Antiquities

Topics Covered

Religious life and customs Architecture and religion Religious aspects Sacred space Vernacular architecture Prehistoric Architecture Religion Antiquities