Indonesian Arts and Craft - Article Example

INDONESIAN ARTS AND CRAFT By of the of the of the School 26 May Introduction Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. This is because it consists of more than 17, 000 islands that lie between the Pacific and Indian Ocean (Frost, 2002). The chain of islands forms a sort of a bridge joining Asia and Australia. In cultural terms, Indonesia is a diverse nation. Frost points out that “Indonesians are rice farmers, traders, sailors, city slickers, artists, fisherfolk, tour guides, hunter-gatherers, and civil servants” (2002, p. 3). They also comprise of Balinese, Papuan, Bugis, Chinese, Minang, Moluccan and the Sundanese (Frost, 2002). They also comprise of Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and animists living in historic places, bamboo huts, city apartments as well as long houses. Indonesian craftwork reflects the customs, religions, history and modern influences. Craftwork can be divided into three groups namely those of outer Indonesia, those of inner Indonesia and those affiliated to Islam. Indonesian art comprises of designs from Islamic or Chinese beliefs and symbols, Buddhist and Hindu designs brought by traders from India, ancestor worship and early animistic worship and beliefs (Expat, 2014). Indonesians have preferred to concentrate on culture rather than the economy and politics. What kind of Arts is Indonesia Famous for? When did this start? And who influenced it? Also where? The numerous ethnic groups and religions in Indonesia form part of the cultural richness and diversity in the nation. Each ethnic group has its own theatre, dance and storytelling tradition. The oldest known dance and theatre tradition of Indonesia can be found in Java (Bunanta and MacDonald, 2003). The shadow puppet theater also known as the wayang kulit has been in existence for years and is one of the most famous arts in Indonesia (Bunanta and MacDonald, 2003). The shadow puppet is made using leather. In fact, wayang kulit means shadow made by leather. The shadow puppet was mainly influenced by Hindu and Islam, although western culture also played a significant role. Painting has been part and parcel of the culture of Indonesia for many years. In the nineteenth century, Indonesian painting became very popular. This was after the arrival of the Dutch and other Europeans. Lamoureux points out that “today there are extensive artists colonies in Yogyakarta and the surrounding area, in central Java, and in Bali” (2003, p. 148). The most recognized painting is the Balinese style. In this style of painting, “artists fill their canvasses with details of daily life and mythology” (Lamoureux, 2003, p. 148). This painting has however changed since the Pita Maha revolution; the new style consists of inked outlines and bright colors (Lamoureux, 2003). According to May, “among the fascinations of the Indonesian musical world are the wealth and diversity of musical styles, objects, and functions, both within and among Indonesia’s many regions” (1980, p. 111). Indonesian dance and music styles originated from the different ethnic groups in the nation. Due to historical, religious and geographical factors, there is no single Indonesian style of music or dance. The most common type of music among Indonesian islands is gamelan. Amongst all islands, the gamelan traditions of Bali and Java stand out. In regard to traditional dances, Indonesia has a rich heritage of them. Bali is popular for most dances namely baris, legong, topeng, kecak, and barong, Malaku is famous for the handkerchief dance known as, lenso, Lombok is famous for war dances and the famous kayak sando or mask dance and Yogyakarta is famous for the Ramayana ballet (Williams, 2010). Contemporary Indonesian music has been influences by western musical styles. What kind of Craft is Indonesia Famous for? When did this start? And who influenced it? Also where? History, religions, customs and modern influences are reflected in the diverse range of craftwork in Indonesia. Indonesian craftwork has different styles, patterns and designs that were acquired from ancestors from different cultural backgrounds. Craft production is a very vital form of cultural expression that displays the beliefs of a community. There are three groupings of Indonesian craft. The first grouping is that of outer Indonesian regions, such as Sumatra, Kalimantan, Papua, Sulawesi, Maluku and Nusa Tenggara (Martinkus et al, 2007). People from these regions have the strongest animist traditions. Their craftwork comprises of cravings, weaving and pottery. The second group is that of inner Indonesian regions, such as Java and Bali. Their craftwork is greatly influenced by Hindu-Buddhist traditions. According to , the styles and techniques “used to create the Borobudur Temple, Hindu epics such as the Mahabharata and that form the basis for wayang…are still a major influence on arts and crafts” (Martinkus et al, 2007, p. 68). Islam is the third grouping of Indonesian crafts. Indonesia is known for its famous woodcarvings. The most famous woodcarvers are the Asmat people from southwest Papua (Martinkus et al, 2007). The carvings they make include drums, spears, canoes and shields. Among these, the most popular are the mbis or ancestor poles. Martinkus et al point out that “these poles show the dead, one above the other, and the open carved ‘wing’ at the top of the pole is a phallic symbol representing fertility and power” (2007, p. 69). The most preferred wood for making wooden crafts in Indonesia is the Jati, a very expensive and durable kind of wood. Textiles are also famous crafts from Indonesia. Indonesians call textiles ikat. Textiles or ikat are made in many regions, but they are most famous in Nusa Tenggara (Martinkus et al, 2007). According to Martinkus et al, “ikat garments come in an incredible diversity of colors and patterns: the spectacular ikat of Sumba and the intricately patterned work of Flores…are the best known” (2007, p. 70). Metalwork is the third group of famous crafts from Indonesia. “Today, some of the best brass workmanship is that of the Minangkabau in Sumatra, but brassware is also produced in Java, south Kalimantan and Sulawesi” (Martinkus et al, 2007, p. 74). Craft was influenced by traditions of animism and ancestral forms of worship. The Indonesian crafts second influence was the wave of Indian immigration and the Indo-Chinese culture that was brought by the emergence of trade. This trade brought about the Hindu-Buddhist and Balinese temple carving and art. Islam influence also played a significant role. What is Indonesian Art and Craft? Indonesia is well-known for its handicraft, which varies from arts and crafts of modern art. The craft products include puppets, masks, woodcarvings, stone and metal. Indonesian art and craft is not only meant for souvenirs, rather, it is part of social and cultural identity. Art and craft is also used for spiritual beliefs. For example, a wood craving is placed in newly wedded houses to show hope of happiness and for decoration purposes. Masks are used to protect people from evil spirits and basketry is used for fishing (Bunanta and MacDonald, 2003). Bamboo is a plant that grows in large quantities in Indonesia. The craftsmen use these bamboos to create chairs, trays and baskets. Bamboos are not only used as products; in their original form, they are used to make musical instruments such as the Angklung. Indonesia is also known for batik bag; this is a fabric that is used to make a bag that can be transformed into anything. Bags made this way are relatively cheap and are mostly used for many purpose such as shopping bags, handbags and school bags (Bunanta and MacDonald, 2003). Another unique art and craft is the straw, which is used worldwide to suck up a drink. Once a person has used the straw, he or she discards it but in Indonesia, the straws are used for unique crafts. The reason why straw is used is because of its low price and the fact that it is easy to obtain it. The straws have different colors and are flexible. The beauty of art and craft is that one can use different things to create something. Akar wangi, a grass found in Indonesia is used to create clothes. The grass is first dried and one can create cloths, bags or food caps. Indonesia is also known for silver crafts that are both hand and machine made. Arts and Crafts of Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, Bali, Lombok, Papua, Nusa Tenggara, and Ternate Sumatra is a Muslim dominated area; there are two distinct cultural groups in the area; the coastal lowland (Pasisir) and the large mountainous interior (darat). Sumatra is the sixth largest island in the world, it is known for its traditional musical art. Music in the pasisir area is strongly influenced by foreign Muslims and the neighboring community. Sumatra area was known for the art of metal work, they are believed to have come up with bronze orchestras (May, 1980). The Indang performers have taken part in musical art and have been influenced by the Muslim art called the dabus. This is a group of men singing Arabic songs for religion. Basketry is also famous in Sumatra. Java is a small region but densely populated. It is known for the musical achievement of the Javanese and the great bronze gamelan orchestra of Java. The batik process of waxing and dyeing first started in Java and classic designs have been remade with the modern technology. The twine work of bamboo and pandanus leaves in form of hats and bags also originated here. Java is well known for batik, a textile art which comprises of patterned cotton cloths. According to the Marshall Cavendish Corporation, Batik is made “by drawing a design in wax onto plain cloth: when the cloth is immersed in dye, the waxed areas resist the color” (2008, p. 1373). Although Bali is small, it is the wealthiest island in Indonesia. It is known as the paradise of art. This is because almost every person in the island is a musician, singer, dancer, actor, sculptor or painter. Art is very rich in this region because of the aspect of traditional artistic life that is influenced by religion. The Balinese art has played a major role in Indonesia’s culture and cultural policy. Bali is also known for their plaiting of lontar leaves. Ogoh-ogoh is a sculpture work and giant structure which is woven in bamboos in Bali. Sulewasi people are known for their love for music and their vocal skills are an advantage during their rituals and festivals. The Kolintang is their musical instrument; it originated from the Minahasa. According to Green and Svinth, “silat sendeng, a special form of silat using only arm blows is very popular in Sulewasi, especially in and around the town of Bone, situated in the Bugis area” (2010, p. 402). Art in Sulewasi is handmade from the wooden ship to the bamboo instruments, such as the black tobacco pot used for storage Sulewasi is also famous for fabrics such as the silk from the south and the ikats from rongkong. Papua is known as the earth paradise. Its unique art and craft range from the traditional bilum to the handmade baskets. Papua art is reflected in their pottery, weapons, carvings, basketry and music. A well-known art is the woodcarving of the Asmat people. In the past Lombok was a very poor region. The people survived on traditional handcraft. However, they were very skillful. Lombok is famous for weaving, basket ware and pottery. It is also famous for its textiles that are woven by women for their daily wear and festivals (Lonely Planet, Berknoes and Stewart, 2013). Reference List Bunanta, M. and MacDonald, M. R., 2003. Indonesian Folktales. Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc. Expat, 2014. Indonesian Arts and Crafts [online]. Available at: < http://www.expat.or.id/info/artshandicrafts-indonesia.html > [Accessed 26 May 2014]. Frost, N., 2002. Indonesia. Oxford: Oxfam GB. Green, T. A. and Svinth, J. R., 2010. Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, LLC. Lamoureux, F., 2003. Indonesia: A Global Studies Handbook. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, Inc. Lonely Planet, Berkmoes, R. and Stewart, L., 2013. Lonely Planet Bali & Lombok. Footscray: Lonely Planet. Martinkus, J. et al, 2007. Indonesia. Footscray: Lonely Planet. Marshall Cavendish Corporation, 2008. World and Its Peoples: Indonesia and East Timor. New York: Marshall Cavendish Corporation. May, E., 1980. Music of Many Cultures: An Introduction. California: University of California Press. Williams, C., 2010. Southeast Asia on a Shoestring. Footscray: Lonely Planet.   Read More