Earth (Pertiwi)
Earth is embodied in the divine Pertiwi, who manifests as Dewi Sri, the beloved goddess of rice, sacrificing herself to bless humans with rice, the staff of life. Dewi Sri, is represented in countless forms including the miniature cili figures woven from pandan leaves hung from the eaves of rice barns to protect harvest [number 11].
The Balinese are preoccupied with fertility. The lingam-yoni, the sexual organs of Lord Siwa and his wife, symbolize fertility as do the giant Barong Landung puppets who sing ancient bawdy songs [numbers 2, 3]. The earth goddess has many forms including those connected to death, the underworld, and natural disasters. The evil sorcereress Rangda, also known as Ratu Gede Mecaling is greatly feared but worshipped for her power with generous offerings to ensure balance between good and evil [number 1].