Today we will travel to the largest archipelago in the world, made up of an astonishing number of more than 17,000 islands. Indonesian artisans stand out for their philosophy of passing on their skills and craftsmanship from generation to generation. For this reason, there is a very varied craft, where we will find a good number of techniques and materials. We will now look at some of them in detail.
1. Batik
Although it is used by other Asian and African cultures around the world, it was in Indonesia where this artisanal dyeing technique was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009 by UNESCO.
First, consider applying layers of warm beeswax to the areas of the fabric you want to protect from the dye. This natural barrier will prevent the dye from penetrating, creating a colorfast design. After applying the wax, the fabric is dipped in liquid dyes, usually natural, which adhere to the areas not covered in wax.
The craftsman then creates his ideas, which are usually designs with patterns of complex shapes and lines and are especially colorful. One of the most important characteristics is the harmony that they achieve with a mixture of colors. Among the most commonly used are yellow, blue, brown and red. Colorful fabrics are mainly used to make accessories, clothing and decorative items.
2. Wood carving
The most commonly used local woods are teak, ebony, merbau and sandalwood. However, the material used will depend on the piece being created. With this technique, artisans create ornamental pieces for temples, furniture, daily utensils, among others.
With such a large number of islands, there is a rich diversity in different places. For example, in the Minangkabau region, craftsmen create wooden roofs called "rumah gadang".
3. Basketry
To carry out this cultural tradition, artisans use natural materials such as palm leaves, bamboo, rattan and plant fibers. Due to its durability and availability, bamboo is mostly used to create baskets, plates, trays and decorative objects. For this reason, these creations are especially useful when it comes to transporting and storing food.
This technique is also used to create bags, hats and other fashion and home accessories. In short, it is an essential and very useful discipline that reflects the skill and creativity of local artisans, and their knowledge of nature and its materials.
4. Silverware and stone sculptures
Finally, Indonesia also has a good reputation for its history and tradition of creating decorative objects and jewelry made of silver and other precious metals. The city of Yogyakarta, located on the island of Java, is known for its large number of workshops and craftsmen specialized in the creation of jewelry.
In addition to silver, Indonesian artisans also work with other precious metals, such as gold and bronze. The use of precious and semi-precious stones, such as opal, amethyst and coral, enhance their pieces by adding a unique touch of color.
We did not want to end the article without mentioning the strong connection that exists between stone craftsmanship and the culture and religion of the country. The archipelago is full of temples where you can find countless sculptures of all imaginable sizes. The village of Batubulan in Bali is famous for its workshops and artists specialized in this art.
