In reading Geertz's Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight, one thing came to mind, this is another boys club. We can compare it to what in the United States we refer to as men social clubs. This idea came when Geertz was almost done with his description of the Balinese's cockfights and there was not much mentioned on the Balinese women and the roles they played in this ritual. He, himself, doesn't mention his wife anymore after the first couple of pages. Even though he states in his first paragraph that they were both anthropologists and both were there to study the culture together. It also appears, in reading in more detail, that Geertz compares the cocks to parts of the male genitalia. In the part of Cocks and Men Geertz states that the cocks are viewed as detachable, self- operating penises, ambulant genitals with life of their own.
             A reader studying these notes can probably say that the women do play a big part in this ritual. As the men prepare for this big event the women probably are making their own plans. For example they could be making plans to meet after the fight. Maybe cook a big feast for the winner with all the trimmings to further boost his ego. However she could also go through this same ritual to soothe the ego of the defeated man. As women are known to do throughout history, whether it be a man coming home from war or a man coming home from work. If there is a woman involved she is usually involved in the struggle of a man. She is just not mentioned because she is not the one waging, battling, or working.
             Also this ritual could take a lot of time from the male, therefore taking time away from the family. Taking over the household while the male prepares for this event would put more responsibility on the women whether it be with chores around house, becoming head of household or just having to listen to the constant talk and excitement of her partner.
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