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Indonesian Arts and Crafts

One of the many pleasures of living in Indonesia is having the opportunity to larn about and collect Indonesian Balinese Masks arts and handicrafts. The variety evident in Indonesia's 300 plus ethnic groups is reflected in the diversity of its fine art forms. Only as every ethnic group throughout the archipelago has its ain linguistic communication/dialect, cuisine, traditional clothes and traditional homes and they have also adult their own textiles, ornaments, carvings and items for daily use and special celebrations. The rich cultural heritage of art and handicrafts is one of Indonesia's true national riches.

Indonesian art forms can include designs traced back to early on animistic beliefs, ancestor worship, Hindu or Buddhist influenced motifs brought by Indian traders, Chinese or Islamic symbols and beliefs. Foreign influence on Indonesian art forms was brought about past centuries of exposure to other cultures through trade. Immigrants from China, Republic of india, the Arab world and after Europe traveled to the archipelago in search of the unique spices grown in Indonesia. These traders settled and brought with them rich artistic traditions which influenced the evolution of local fine art.

Making of Batik Today we can see highly developed art forms wherever these artisans had patrons in centuries past. One of the places where this is maybe almost evident is in Yogyakarta where the Sultan'southward family has supported batik, argent, wayang and other artisans for generations. With this patronage the fine art forms flourished, resulting in a rich diverseness of art forms today.

The rich artistic traditions of Bali, where traditionally each person must develop skills in a particular fine art form - be it trip the light fantastic, music, or visual arts has lead to the creation of a vibrant artistic community. Foreign artists have been drawn to Bali for centuries due to this unique cultural synergy.

Handicrafts also developed from the usage of every day household items which were decorated and used for ceremonial purposes. Witness the wide variety of uses of natural woods, fibers, bamboo, rattan and grasses. Natural and chemical dyes, chaplet and other natural ornament are used to decorate these items, many of which have developed over fourth dimension into distinctive art forms.

Many expats take advantage of the opportunity of living in Republic of indonesia to larn more about its culture, or to brainstorm a Wayang Kulit Puppeteer collection of art objects or handicrafts that they savor. Nosotros go through early days of explorations, through the thrills of discovery and learning, to hunting downward particular items you desire and acquiring true finds.

Often expats are able to learn things in Republic of indonesia that they wouldn't have been able to beget at home where import duties and retail marker-ups make the prices skyrocket. In addition, the buy of various handicrafts is often associated with special memories ... wonderful memories of vacations, the tukang and the fun of searching for the right piece.

With the rupiah exchange charge per unit so favorable against most foreign currencies - groovy bargains are to be found in Indonesia! Visit either Sarinah Jaya or Pasaraya in Djakarta for a good introduction to Indonesian handicrafts, though don't expect to observe true antiques there. Then you'll know better what y'all may want to purchase on your travels through the archipelago.

Wooden Puppets If you develop a love for a item particular, seek out others who share your new hobby/collecting and learn the history of the items together. Expats who autumn in love with a particular art course may even program their travel through the archipelago around their special interest, tracking down and viewing the making of the items in their places of origin.

One of the near pop organizations in Jakarta for those who are interested in learning more about Indonesian civilization is the Indonesian Heritage Society. Amateurs become experts through research using their extensive library and participation in study groups. Study groups are formed dependent on the interest of the members and in recent years accept included: textiles, ceramics, wayang, batik and others.

Museums in Jakarta and in other major cities display priceless artifacts from Indonesia's vibrant history. Join a bout at the National Museum, visit the Cloth or Keris museum and you will quickly detect the rich cultural heritage of Indonesian art. While at the Museum Nasional, pick up a copy of the National Museum Guidebook, published past the Indonesian Heritage Club for an excellent introduction to the collection.

Provincial specialties

A few months after outset your exploration of the various Indonesian art forms, certain provinces will soon take on character all their own through the art forms you association with them ... Javanese batik, Balinese carvings, Borneo baby bak, Malukan pearls, Bugis silk sarong, Lombok pottery, Dayak blow guns, Sumba ikat and more. Your travels throughout Indonesia will be enriched by your exposure to the development of different fine art forms in each province.

Symbolism

Indonesian art forms are rich in symbolism. The mythical naga or dragon; the mamuli pendant - symbol of fertility from Sumba, the tree of life, the mythological fauna Garuda (also a national symbol plant on the Panca Sila Garuda Carving symbol), all have special meanings in Indonesian traditions, myths and beliefs. Exploring the origins of these designs and what they mean is fascinating.

The war between proficient and evil, aboriginal stories of beloved and warfare, nature and the heavens - all have special meanings to Indonesians throughout the archipelago. Gods, demons and knights abound in Balinese carvings and in other areas where Hindu influence predominated at some point in history. Plants, animals (mythological and existent) and geometric forms are also widely used and stand for specific meanings in particular art forms.

Motifs drawn from nature - leaves, flowers, mountains, water, clouds, animals oft represent religious or mystical symbols related to early on forms of animism, so later to Hinduism. Islamic prohibitions against showing the human figure or other living creatures stagnated the evolution of many art forms in areas where Islam was strong.

Sure motifs were favored and even restricted to the royal families, especially in batik designs for the Surakarta and Yogyakarta royal families (one of which is called the cleaved keris). These symbols depicted simple, natural Parang Batik design objects that were important to the lives of Javanese, such as the leaves of the aren palm or the fruit from the kapok tree. Traditional colors of navy blue, cream, brown and black used in batik have given way to a myriad of colors utilizing mod imported dyes.

Handicrafts and art objects range from every mean solar day items which are unique to Indonesia, to one-of-a-kind collector's items, with a very wide range in between. What you will buy and/or collect depends of course on what you like. To introduce y'all briefly to the broad range of items bachelor we've covered some of the more popular below:

Textiles

The diversity in Indonesian textile forms is astounding and is yet another representation of its rich cultural Sample of Batik heritage. Indonesian textiles include hand drawn and stamped batik, the design of which takes months to create; double weave ikat from the islands of Nusa Tenggara, ship material from Lampung, silk Bugis sarong from Sulawesi, gilt-painted Balinese prada cloth; shimmering kain songket from Palembang utilizing argent and aureate metallic threads weft in woven cotton or silk ikat; and Tapis weavings from Lampung.

Weavings from the 27 provinces utilize dissimilar materials, methods, colors and designs. Primarily formed on back looms, weeks or months are spent creating intricate designs for everyday use or formalism clothing. These weavings are primarily known by the unlike techniques that are used to create the distinctive designs.

The symbolism of the various indigenous groups is evident in the variety of textiles. Color, shapes and their arrangements all have special meanings. Certain designs can just be worn past women or men, or simply by the Ikat Textile members of the imperial family or nobility.

Special textiles are worn or exchanged in life bicycle or rights of passage ceremonies celebrating nativity, circumcision, puberty, marriage, childbearing and decease. Textiles play an important role in many traditional events and ceremonies.

Written records dating to the fourteenth century certificate the importance of textiles in the social and religious lives of Indonesians. The highly distinctive traditional dress, or pakaian adat, best shows the multifariousness of uses of textiles throughout the archipelago. The fifty-fifty more than elaborate bridal dress displays the best of each province's fabric and ornamental jewelry traditions.

Wayang -- Puppets

Puppets have been used for centuries in Republic of indonesia to tell the stories of the aboriginal epics, the Ramayana and the Wayng Kulit Mahabarata, also equally ancient myths. Modern stories also employ this ancient art course for gimmicky audiences.

Puppets autumn into 2 major classifications - wayang kulit - the leather or shadow puppet of Central Java, and wayang golek - wooden puppets of W Coffee. There are several varieties of wooden puppets. Some expats enjoy collecting the same character by various artisans, or all the characters in a scene or story, or but characters that strike their fancy. Expert guys, bad guys, gods, demons, nobles, giants, clowns, princes and princesses and monkeys ... all tin be constitute in traditional boob forms.

Less commonly seen are the Wayang Klitik, a flat wooden puppet. Links to sites with information on wayang

Traditional Toys and Games

The congklak, or dakon lath game was brought to Indonesia past Indian or Arab traders centuries ago. Fabricated from plastic or wood, or highly carved by court artisans, this game has been played in Republic of indonesia for centuries. Examples of early on congklak board can be constitute in the National Museum.

Traditional toys tin be institute throughout the archipelago and forays into the provinces will undoubtedly turn up many simple toys made past villagers for their children. These can be purchased at local pasar, roadside stands or virtually pop tourist destinations.

Ceramics

Ceramics made their fashion to Indonesia over centuries of trade with China dating back to 205 BC. Ceramic items range from everyday common vessels and plates, to fine ceramic pieces that became heirlooms passed down from Blue Ceramic Vase generation to generation.

Modern reproductions of these antiques grow ... then have the fourth dimension to learn the difference between a genuine antique and a mod reproduction. The Ceramic Museum in Jakarta, ceramic written report groups at the Indonesian Heritage Society and a wealth of books on Ceramics volition aid innovate you to this fascinating ancient art form.

More affordable, and yet just equally beautiful is jewelry made from antique ceramic shards discovered in port cities throughout the archipelago. While formerly these broken dishes served every bit anchor in ships from China, modern artisans take turned these broken ceramic pieces into beautiful jewelry and other useful items.

Gimmicky ceramic pattern can be found in a wide range of useful household items. Lombok pottery in detail is popular with expats. The intricate terra-cotta pottery fabricated in the village of Kasongan near Yogyakarta is also a favorite of many.

Natural fibers and materials

A wide range of items, both useful and decorative are made from natural fibers such as pandanus, rattan, bamboo and grasses. Rice spoons, bowls, containers, woven mats, baskets, lamp shades, boxes, natural paper products and a multitude of other items are made from natural fibers in Indonesia.

Bamboo, while exotic in the west, is one of the near practical natural plants. The uses of bamboo in Republic of indonesia are Natural Fiber Products numerous and Indonesians utilize bamboo extensively for a variety of items including baskets, winnows, cups, buckets, furniture and woven walls in traditional homes. The fine strands used for fans, purses, bags, hats, baskets and other items. Larger, thick strips are used for bloom baskets, walls and other items. While bamboo was originally used for practical items around the house, these take been farther adult into new items which sell well equally souvenirs.

Bone, rubber, coconut shell, fibers, horn and other natural materials are used in many folk handicrafts from blow pipes, figurines, bags, storage items, painted umbrellas, and even ships made entirely from cloves.

Shells

Shells are used by Indonesian artisans to create a broad multifariousness of useful items, air current chimes and jewelry. The waters surrounding the over 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago have given forth an abundance of aquatic splendor. Exotic shells tin be purchased for small sums of money. Even so, be cautious in your purchases as many species are over-harvested and their extinction is only a thing of time. In particular, avert purchasing the Nautilus and giant clam, protected species which are already endangered.

Jewelry

I of the richest art forms in Indonesia reflects the Indonesian woman's desire to ornamentation her traditional wearing apparel, which wouldn't be complete without various items of traditional jewelry. Decoration used with traditional dress is rich in symbolism and pattern. From modern designs in 22 karat gilt, to intricate grid silver jewelry from Yogyakarta, using precious and semi-precious stones, or modern plastic, wood or ceramic ... there are many designs, materials and toll ranges to choose from. Many expats indulge their love of a item type of jewelry ... buying opals or silver jewelry until they've built up quite impressive collections.

Antique jewelry (both accurate and reproductions) is a favorite of expats. Antique trade beads, or their reproductions, are very pop.

Mabe pearls are a favorite with expats in Dki jakarta. You can purchase the loose pearls and take them set in your ain gold or silverish pattern at your favorite jewelers. Pearl farms harvest huge quantities of mabe and fresh water pearls in Lampung, Maluku and Sulawesi.

A trip to the jewel markets of Dki jakarta or Kalimantan is a fun take chances and provides an introduction to the variety of gemstones bachelor in Indonesia. These include diamonds, South Bounding main pearls, opal, sapphire, amethyst and banded agates. Beware that many stones are actually manufactured ... what is termed masakan in Indonesia. The karat content of gold can often misrepresented and gemstones could be simulated. Depend on a trusted jeweler or store with knowledgeable friends.

Antique Furniture

Cute Dutch colonial and other antique furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries is popular with expats, Wooden Carved rocking chair including Balinese opium beds, rice storage units, old cupboards, Javanese carved wall panels, doors and unique tables. These pieces may need restoration or may take already be refinished or reconditioned by the shops.

Many shops cater to the expats dear of antiques and sell authentic antiques or reproductions. Widely available too are new designs of article of furniture, utilizing old wood. The advantage of sometime wood is that it is less likely to split when you bring it back to a dry climate, as the forest has been seasoned for decades. Much 'antique' furniture bachelor is actually new furniture that has been left in the sun and rain for months to . age. the furniture. Be careful to purchase from a trustworthy dealer if you lot desire to be certain you are getting accurate antiques.

Wood Carvings

3 D Wooden Carving Wooden etching traditions and skills can be found throughout the Indonesian archipelago, with the most famous beingness from Bali, Central Java, Madura, Sumatra and Papua. Different areas adult very different traditions then that many items are immediately identifiable as beingness created by detail indigenous groups. Near popular with expats are Javanese and Balinese wooden image carvings, Jepara lattice-similar 3-dimensional reliefs and Irianese primitive carvings.

Even amid wooden carvings from a particular province, differences in design, style and subject matter are easily evidenced after some written report. Irianese tribes such as the Asmat, Dani, and Komoro accept very distinctive styles of carvings of totem poles, weapons, figures and utensils.

Whimsical, brightly colored modern carvings are produced primarily in Bali. And the popularity of these pieces has Modern Wood Carvings from Bali influenced the wooden carving traditions of other regions as well.

Used in prehistoric times in burials, the use of ancient spirit masks have given way to masks used in many traditional dances. These highly stylized masks, topeng, depict the various characters in the story told by the trip the light fantastic. Masks enable the performers to assume new identities and describe a variety of characters from demons to animals, princes or gods. Amongst the most famous masks used in dance are the Rangda and Barong masks from Bali. In this traditional trip the light fantastic toe, performed oft for tourists, the interaction of Rangda, representing evil, and the Barong, representing good, restores the harmony between the adept and evil in life.

While masks for sale in stores are primarily from Central Coffee and Bali, masks from other indigenous groups were used widely in the by to communicate with ancestors, for blessings for harvests, protection from evil spirits, to acquire new personalities or keen powers.

Wooden Mask Fragrant sandalwood from the Nusa Tenggara is available in carvings, medicine, incense, cosmetics, prayer beads and useful items such every bit pens and fans. It is usually stored in a special glass cabinet in stores and a stroll past the chiffonier will quickly acquaint y'all with the exotic fragrance of this special forest.

Forest used in carving include ebony, teak, mahogany, ironwood, sandalwood and other lesser known ethnic woods. The price may often be related to the type of wood used, as harder woods are more than difficult to carve. Since many are concerned by the cutting of tropical difficult wood forests, many woods items are made from teak trees which are cultivated on plantations. Await for the labeling designated the particular as utilizing plantation-grown teak.

Stone Carvings

Volcanic rock are carved to create statues depicting characters from ancient Indonesian myths and epics. These Stone Carving are predominantly found in Yogyakarta and Bali where rock carving traditions engagement back over 900 years and were highly developed during the construction of major temples in these areas.

Bangka Tin

Pewter items are fabricated with tin from the island of Bangka. Favorites with expats are the angels in varying sizes, candlesticks, picture frames, and Christmas tree ornaments. Engravings of Bangka tin can items are oft presented by diverse expat groups to their members in recognition of various achievements.

Shops specializing in Bangka pewter items can be found in Jakarta on Jl. Paletahan. These shops offer significant discounts. Displays of Bangka can items can also exist found in the major arts and handicrafts centers in Jakarta and in other popular tourist destinations.

Paintings

Bali Painting Painting every bit an art form was actually developed in the 19th and 20th century and includes batik paintings, the highly stylized paintings of Bali which draw village and traditional life likewise every bit modern oils and acrylics. Famous Indonesian painters such equally Raden Saleh, command high prices on the international market and at auctions in Singapore and Jakarta.

Musical Instruments

Along with the other arts forms that developed in great diverseness beyond the archipelago, cultural variety also lead to the development of different musical traditions, thus different instruments. Angklung from W Java, Gamelan from Yogyakarta or Bali, flutes and gongs from West Java are favorite collectibles of expats. Gamelan links and Expat Community grouping in Jakarta where you tin can learn Gamelan

Calligraphy

While non-Islamic art forms abound due to the rich Buddhist/Hindu traditions dating dorsum for centuries, Islamic calligraphy has developed in diverse art forms likewise. These include embroidery, wood carvings, ceramics, paintings, and the beautiful gilded embroidered Tapis cloth of Lampung.

Keris dagger

Weapons

The ancient Keris is a favorite of expats, too as bone blow pipes from Kalimantan, swords and daggers. Bowsand arrows and spears from Papua are also popular.

Batik copper stamps

Used in the cap production of batik, these copper stamps are collected by expats. Special designs can exist made at the Cap Homo in Djakarta where cap are worked into drawers and furniture as well every bit lazy susans, coasters or trivets.

Whatever your tastes and pleasures, you will presently enjoy the exploration of the various Indonesian art forms and bask collecting a few for yourself.

Mini glossary
kerajinan: handicrafts
kesenian: art
kenang-kenangan: something to call back your travels by
cinderamata: souvenir
oleh-oleh: something you bring dorsum from your travels equally a gift for family or friends.