Tourism has given a new color to local handicraft production. In addition to enjoying the elegance of nature and culture in Bali, many visitors also search for the richness of local handicrafts. This drives local craftsmen to make more and more items, redesign and give new functionality. As a result, craftsmen become more creative and add a new value to unused materials at large.
The field of handicrafts includes local tradition, aesthetics and emotion. Craftsmen creatively and innovatively continue to manifest their talent that has been inherited over time. Here sprawls the bridge connecting the past and the future. Old items can be enjoyed in modern perspective, presented in a stylish look or even become a costly antique when it is no longer in use.
A water jug which was once used to contain drinking water or fresh water taken from a well nearby, is now refilled with mineral water in keeping with the people’s need to get more hygienic water. In that manner the water jug represents a classical image, while mineral water conveys the demand of modern living.
In addition, kitchen ware today also welcomes a number of new items like bowls, dishes, spoons, soup spoons, or even forks stylishly made from coconut trunks. Thanks to modern machines which enables these products and creative craftsmen. This material provides both durability and aesthetic motif that can not be found in other materials.
Similarly, interior design harvests a myriad of benefits from this advancement. A whitewater shrimp trap made from small and delicate bamboo slices, for instance, has been well re-designed to make a nice lampshade, artistic vase or even mannequin to display cloth. Meanwhile, the bamboo colonial steamer (kukusan) is also used for hanging lampshades to embellish bars or traditional-nuanced interior appearances.
As other islands in this archipelago, Bali’s nature receives great bounty from the Gods. A variety of materials for craftmen have been available. Now, it depends very much on their creativity. Dry banana sheath, for instance, has covered thousands of tissue boxes, photo albums and beautified artistic chairs. Ata (rope-like trunk of creeping plants) handicrafts are becoming the hallmark of the Tenganan community, which have producted countless jewel boxes, bags, wallets, souvenirs, and so forth.
Abundant water hyacinth floating in waters like dams or fish ponds can be taken advantage for rope material. Having spun thoroughly, it is then used to make a variety of bags, in-room slippers, chairs and boxes. Of course, there are many more materials at large, provided by nature, that have not been utilized yet.
Inspired by designs from buyers, natural creativity of local craftsmen increasingly grows rich in keeping with time. In essence, innovation and creativity in improving products and enriching the product category have become buzzwords in the global markets to fulfill the taste and demand of customers. Perhaps, it’s the only way for craftsmen to preserve their existence!
News by International Bali Post
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