There is no need to doubt that Bali is a popular tourist destination, which is rich in natural beauty. And Bali also presents beauty in traditional Balinese art and craftsmanship that is aesthetic and different from the others.
The Island of the Gods is known for its unique works of art and crafts, considering that Bali is still very strong in its traditional culture. This work of art has high quality artistic value and is the result of the traditional skills of the local community towards a journey of creativity.
In fact, Bali has many masters in the field of art, and it is hoped that all of them will be able to pass on their skills to future generations. In this way, Balinese traditional arts and skills will be strong and sustainable in the era of global competition, and able to improve community welfare.
This traditional Balinese art has become a big attraction, making Bali loved by local and foreign tourists. And it is also not uncommon for tourists to buy traditional Balinese crafts in large quantities.
For those who want to explore traditional Balinese arts and crafts and learn about these timeless traditional skills.The following is some information about traditional Balinese arts and crafts that is worth knowing, including:
1. Puppet Painting Crafts
One of the traditional Balinese arts and skills is the Wayang painting craft. This craft can be found in Kerambitan Village, Tabanan, Bali. This village is one of the villages with quite high potential for traditional arts, both performing arts and fine arts.
The wayang paintings made by craftsmen from Kerambitan Village usually take themes from Hindu mythological events. And the colors used when painting wayang are black, red and ocher. The color of ocher is between orange, yellow and brown.
2. Ceramic Crafts
Ceramic crafts also come from Tabanan. These crafts come from Nyitdah Village and Pejaten Village. Andthese two villages are both located in the Kediri District, Tabanan Regency, Bali.
Works of art produced from ceramics include pots, pots, jugs, ceremonial equipment and kitchen furniture. Apart from being sent domestically, these ceramic crafts are also exported to several countries such as France, England, Japan and so on.
3. Carved Mask Crafts
The barong mask is certainly familiar, isn’t it? This typical Balinese craft can be found in almost every corner of Bali. Bali is very popular for its sculpture which has high artistic value and is aesthetic and unique.
Apart from barong masks, there are also several other types of masks that can be used as souvenirs while on holiday in Bali, you know. Namely masks with various expressive faces, dancing masks and many other types of masks.
Not only does it have artistic value, this Balinese carved mask craft also has very high historical and sacred value. And this Balinese carved mask craft is largely inspired by ancient Hindu culture which usually symbolizes sacred gods.
4. Wooden Sculpture Crafts
Another typical Balinese craft is wooden statues. Balinese wooden statue crafts have high historical, artistic and sacred value. Because this Balinese wooden statue craft also gets inspiration from Hindu culture and is very popular.
Even though the price of this statue is quite expensive when compared to other types of crafts, it is made from high quality wood. This craft illustrates how skilled the craftsmen in Bali are. By purchasing this statue, you are giving support to local carvers.
5. Coconut Shell Crafts
It turns out that coconut shells, which usually only become waste, in Bali can be transformed into various unique and useful handicrafts. Various souvenirs from this coconut shell craft can be found in the Tampaksiring area, Gianyar, this craft can be used as a souvenir.
6. Traditional Fabric Crafts
A cultural tour in Bali feels incomplete if you don’t buy traditional Balinese cloth as a souvenir. In almost all art markets and souvenir centers in Bali you can find beautiful Balinese Batik cloth.
You can make batik in various ways, including drawing lines and dots by hand on the cloth. However, don’t be surprised if batik is priced high, because it takes a long time to make using complicated techniques.
7. Stone Carving Crafts
Please note that stone carving is one of the most complicated works of art sold in Bali. To create this work of art, craftsmen use chisels and hammers to carve difficult carvings of Hindu gods and so on.
Finding studios that usually make these carvings is not difficult, usually the works will be displayed along the streets in Bali. This stone carving art is very popular in the city of Batubulan, many companies bring their work abroad.
Usually interior designers, private clients and traders will buy them. Making Buddha statues is one of the popular applications of stone carving. And the size of these stone carvings can range from small to more than two meters in size.
8. Bali Textile And Endek Crafts
Sidemen is a town of textile craftsmen, every woman in this village spends most of their time weaving. At least you can weave even simple patterns, extraordinary natural conditions where people always want to weave cloth.
There are two types of weaving made by Sidemen village residents, first, endek, namely ikat weaving, suitable for use on weekdays and ceremonies. It has a characteristic diamond-shaped pattern which is made by dyeing and tying the thread before weaving.
And secondly, Balinese textiles are known for their intricate patterns, bright colors, and high quality. Made using natural fibers such as silk and cotton, it is usually used for traditional clothing such as kebaya, sarong, and songket.
The patterns and colors used on endek cloth usually have symbolic meaning and are related to Balinese culture and religious ceremonies. Because of the fine dye in Songket, this cloth requires special care every time it is used, it cannot be cleaned in a washing machine.
9. Silver Crafts And Jewelry
A famous artists’ town in the Gianyar area, Ubud, namely Celuk, is known as the center of Balinese silver and gold jewelry. Most working painters started learning when they were young, because this skill has been passed down from generation to generation.
Visitors who come can immediately buy the best works of art from painters at prices much cheaper than shops. Some of the accessories available such as rings, bracelets, brooches and so on are intricately designed by artists who have world-class expertise.
The price offered for this craft depends on the level of complexity of the design and the materials used to make it. Even though the jewelry is in a modern style, it is still made with the beauty of Balinese art, and there are many motifs to choose from.
Bali is not only rich in interesting tourist destinations but also comes with unique works of art and traditional Balinese craftsmanship. Bali has its own way of making it hard to forget, the charm of its people’s cool handicrafts is a journey towards creativity.
