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Wood and stone carving have traditionally been featured largely in temple and palace architecture. Immaculately carved demons and mythical beings decorate pillars, door panels, lintels and window shutters with the object of protecting the buildings from evil intruders. Scenes of legendary figures places within a floral decor, set a more pleasant and educational tone. With the arrival of European influences, wood carving started to develop a long more innovative and commercial lines. Today, whole villages specialize in producing certain styles of work.

The village of Sumampan, near Ubud, is known for its carvings of female figures, Buddhas, characters from Hindu epics, the traditional topeng (mask) and Wayang Wong masks. Visiting Sari Rejeki Wood Carver & Art Gallery

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Kemenuh Village, a special village for wood carving area, produce very good quality of woodcarving, made from very hard wood such as teak, mahogany, ebony and hibiscus wood, most of wood import from another island as Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan (Borneo) and Sulawesi.Crocodile or Satin Wood (Zanthoxylum rhetsa) This wood is very light (white) in colour and categorized as hard wood. The carvings made from this wood usually have a very smooth finish, making them look a little like ivory. This wood is more difficult to carve and usually commands a higher price. It is mostly used for smaller more detailed carvings. When a burl caused by a parasite occurs these are often carved into small animals and are referred to as ‘parasite wood’.Crocodile or Satin Wood (Zanthoxylum rhetsa)

Above main entrance Kala's monstrous face (protective), his hands reaching out to catch evil spirits

In Balinese rituals, the spilling of blood during tajen (cockfights) is meant to appease the buta-kala (demonic forces) which otherwise would create disturbances and disrupt the ceremonies. Specially bred roosters are taken in cages to a clearing or arena. A referee and time-keeper control the activities. Gambling is very much a part of this male dominated pastime.

Garuda, the mythical bird

A symbol is something that represents something else. Balinese culture is very rich in symbolism. It seems that everything is symbolic and that even the symbols are symbolic.

Sari Rejeki Wood Carver & Art Gallery

Ganesha is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon

Although he is known by many attributes, Ganesha's elephant head makes him easy to identify. Ganesha is widely revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom. As the god of beginnings, he is honoured at the start of rituals and ceremonies. Ganesha is also invoked as patron of letters and learning during writing sessions. Several texts relate mythological anecdotes associated with his birth and exploits and explain his distinct iconography. Ganesha, the Lord of Obstacles, both of a material and spiritual order is popularly worshipped as a remover of obstacles. Ganesha is identified with the Hindu mantra Aum, also spelled Om.

Elephants have never lived in Bali, but appear as the popular God Ganesha, who can get things done. The curved dagger, called a kris, sometimes has an elephant to symbolise the strength and magic power of the weapon.

Text : Baliplus

Pictures: Sanda Foişoreanu & Internet (http://www.maayboli.com/node/47736)

Copyright: All the images belong to their authors

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanu

www.slideshare.net/michaelasanda

Sound: Group of Gending Guna Saih Sondong