Gecko’s Complaint: A Balinese Folktale, retold by Ann Martin Bowler, illustrated by I gusti Made Sukanada
Balinese myths and legends evolved from a time when the island’s inhabitants attempted to explain divine-human relationships, sought a moral code for society, or tried to answer such questions about natural phenomena as “How did the Bali Strait come into being?” and “Who first built and irrigated the terraced rice fields of Bali?”
Out of the myths and legends grew fairy tales and fables which have been told and retold down to the present day. Many of the folktales (cerita rakyat) sound familiar to Westerners because uncannily similar tales have existed in many different cultures all over the world in many different versions.
Though their names are different, the characters are also similar to those in the folk tales of other ethnic groups in Indonesia – establishing a sort of base line among the 250-plus cultures throughout the nation’s 18,110 islands.
The intended moral of each fable is similar also, just told in a different way. The mischievous and wily mouse deer (kancil) found in Javanese folklore is also a favorite character on Bali, as is the deep-croaking house gecko.
The Balinese consider that a species of gecko, called the tokay, will bring a family good luck. This lizard’s vocal repertoire is unequalled in the reptile kingdom. It lurks in the rafters under the roof, a space which somehow seems to amplify its call. The Balinese count the number of croaks the tokay emits - the higher the number the better. If the number of croaks ends in an odd number, all the better.
Gecko’s Complaint is a sparkling retelling of a classic Balinese folktale, a story about those who are only too ready to see the faults of others, but who are unable to see their own shortcomings.
A well-fed gecko once lived on the island we now call Bali, in a jungle dense with flowers, vines and creatures both big and small. After hundreds of fireflies disturb the gecko’s sleep, he complains to kindly Raden, the lion-king of the jungle.
In his efforts to get to the bottom of the Gecko’s troubles, Raden discovers there is far too much complaining and far too many irritable animals. Can Raden help the animals with their troubles? Can peace and happiness return to the jungles of Bali?
The folktale, simply yet so elegantly written, is filled with delightful characters and sly humor that bring the jungle and is inhabitants to vivid life. The story reflects the attitudes, ideals and especially the good humor of the people of Bali.
This old folktale was reinterpreted by American writer Ann Martin Bowler who has traveled with her family to Indonesia numerous times. The illustrator, Balinese painter I Gusti Made Sukanada, paints in the traditional style using acrylic paint, pen and ink. His luscious illustrations are so lovingly and meticulously drawn that they are worthy of framing.
With its themes of tolerance, acceptance and appreciation of the things we have, this book is a wonderful introduction to the true spirit of Bali and will delight readers young and old.
Gecko’s Complaint: A Balinese Folktale, retold by Ann Martin Bowler, illustrated by I Gusti Made Sukanada, Periplus Editions 2003, Singapore, ISBN 0-7946-0165-0, 32 pages.
Available for Rp75,000 at Periplus Bookshops in the Bali Galleria and in the Matahari in Kuta, Warung Made in Seminyak, Ngurah Rai Airport (both international and domestic terminals), Keris Gallery in Nusa Dua and in Gramedia bookstores.
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Copyright@2003 PakBill
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