WOODCARVING product is a great heritage that much supports the festive tourism industry in Bali. Aside from beautifying and raising the elegance of room interiors, it is also an appropriate gift presented to a friend or colleague.
Before the rapid growth of tourism industry in Bali, the demand for wood carving products may be limited for the use of sacred art or religious purposes only. The theme of this woodcarving art sources from the inspiration of Hindu mythologies. Some of them may include the statue of gods like Lord Vishnu mounting a garuda (eagle) mythological bird. But after tourism development, this kind of art goes through rapid development where it is also made for the sake of souvenirs.
At the same time, in keeping with the passage of time and people’s creativity, some artists then feature different and creative themes describing various daily activities or professions. However, it remains to root in Balinese tradition and daily life.
Related to this creativity, three villages in Northern Badung (Bali), namely the Jagapati, Angantaka and Sedang (JAS) offer their own uniqueness. Distinctive woodcarving works produced by these villages include the effigies of old people (grandfather) getting in touch with his rooster and its cage, catching fish with conical net or the variant of grandfather only.
Carefully made with full details, the effigies look so vivid and natural. They commonly painted with natural-colored coating substance. As a result, the original texture of wood is clearly visible. At the same time, it also protects the wood from dust and other dirt.
Today, this woodcarving work has been widely used to decorate lobby of hotels and villas throughout Badung. Besides, the woodcarvers are also helped by the Badung government in terms of promotion through various exhibitions.
