Bali Wood Crafts
Bali is a tropical island in Indonesia where craftsmen traditionally produced work for the ruling classes and priests. Balinese woodcarving dates back to the 13th century. Initially, the work was made for use in palaces and temples, rather than for trade or sale. The carving was usually done in a collective fashion by craftsmen who lived close together.
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Strict Guidelines
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Traditional Balinese woodcarving adhered to narrow guidelines. Craftsmen followed strict standards, did not sign their work, and their designs did not vary much, according to BaliExist.com. Carvings include religious, mythical and legendary figures, and demons on building structures, such as doors, pillars and shutters. Their work was intended as protection against evil intruders. By tradition, Balinese woodcarvers are usually men.
Foreign Influences
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Balinese culture reflects foreign influences, including Chinese, Indian, Hindu and Buddhist. European influences were responsible for encouraging Balinese woodcarvers to become more creative and commercial, especially with the growth of the tourist trade. Some carvers created elongated human forms while others shortened human bodies. Other than traditional motifs, Topeng and Wayang Wong painted dance masks, craftsmen also started carving animals, such as birds, cats and dolphins.
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Types of Wood
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Among the hardwoods used in Balinese woodcarvings are satin wood or buaya, which has a smooth, white finish; suar, which has a crisscross grain that prevents cracking; waru or gray hibiscus, which has white and gray bands; ebony; and mahogany. Although woodcarvers often paint their carvings, they may leave hardwoods unpainted to show the grain. Softer woods such as jackfruit, durian and belalu are used for inexpensive, painted carvings, according to BaliShoppe.com.
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