the Balinese marriage predicament; individual, strategical, cultural
Marriage in descent theory tends to be the negative result of the application of the incest taboos. In the alliance view, it is brought about by the positive value (resulting from the system) attached to exchange. The utility of alliance theory is generally to be found in the analysis of closed systems, i.e. systems that can be conceptually limited to an ordered universe of linked categories (Buchler and Selby 1968:130) This study sketches the cultural argument surrounding Balinese marriage. We analyze values and rules, as supported by symbols and customary institutions, that insure that marriage remains a potential predicament, an inherent dilemma. We abstract a scheme of Balinese marriage types which cuts across and helps define different caste statuses. The scheme relates most directly to modern Bali, but it encompasses variations of classical (pre 1906) and colonial (1906 1948) times as well.1 Each type of marriage reveals overriding pros and cons in actuality unresolvable, therefore socially viable, culturally significant, non mechanical, human. We first summarize the ethnography of marriage values, both positive standards and negative restrictions, and then suggest an epitomizing symbol of this system of action with its potential conflicts. We later explore complementary terminologies, esoteric marriage lore, and literary epics from the related native logic system. Thus, two areas concern us: (1) the system of beliefs, expressive symbols, and value orientations often deemed "culture" (Parsons and Shils 1962:21 and, in particular, that part of Balinese culture which pertains to "marriage," which is usually abstracted for cross cultural comparisons (cf. L6vi Strauss 1969) (2) structuralist codes in conventionalized native imagery which relate to the values that underpin social action without merely replicating them. We try to