Exploring Mas Word Carving Village. Mas Village, located in Ubud, Bali, is renowned for its intricate wood carvings and deep-rooted tradition of craftsmanship. It has earned a reputation as the center of wood carving art in Bali, attracting art enthusiasts, collectors, and tourists who wish to explore the island’s rich cultural heritage. From traditional to contemporary carvings, Mas Village offers a glimpse into the skill and artistry of Bali’s master woodcarvers. Here’s everything you need to know about Mas Wood Carving Village.
Location of Mas Wood Carving Village
Mas Village is situated about 6 kilometers south of Ubud in the Gianyar Regency of Bali. It’s easily accessible by car or scooter from Ubud and other major tourist hubs like Denpasar and Kuta. The village lies along the main road leading to Ubud, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring Bali’s cultural heart.
Surrounded by lush rice paddies and traditional Balinese architecture, Mas Village offers a tranquil escape from the busier areas of Bali, providing an immersive experience in Bali’s artistic traditions.
History of Mas Ubud Village
Mas Village has a long history that dates back to the 14th century, during the reign of the Majapahit Kingdom, when Bali began to experience a flourishing of the arts. The village has always been a center of artistic development, particularly in wood carving, due to its strategic location near Ubud, the cultural and artistic hub of Bali.
The influence of the Pita Maha movement in the 1930s, which promoted the revival of Balinese arts under the guidance of European artists like Rudolf Bonnet and Walter Spies, further cemented Mas Village’s status as a center of traditional craftsmanship. Over the centuries, the village has passed down its woodcarving techniques through generations, with many families continuing to practice and preserve this ancient art.
History of Wood Carving Art at Mas Village
Wood carving has been an essential part of Balinese culture for centuries, with Mas Village at the forefront of this tradition. The craft originally developed as a form of religious expression, with skilled artisans carving statues of Hindu deities, mythical creatures, and ritualistic symbols for temples and ceremonies.
Over time, the art form evolved to include more intricate designs, such as figurines, decorative panels, and contemporary sculptures. The traditional techniques, passed down through generations, involve painstaking attention to detail, with each piece telling a story of Bali’s spiritual and cultural identity.
Mas Village woodcarvers are particularly known for their ability to transform solid blocks of wood into lifelike, expressive figures, often reflecting themes of nature, mythology, and daily life in Bali. The use of local hardwoods, such as ebony, mahogany, and sandalwood, contributes to the durability and beauty of these carvings.
Mas Village as the Center of Wood Carving Art in Bali
Mas Village has earned its reputation as the center of wood carving art in Bali, attracting both local and international buyers seeking high-quality, handmade wooden sculptures. Many of the village’s workshops and galleries showcase a wide range of carvings, from small, intricate pieces to large, elaborate works designed for temples and palaces.
The village has produced some of Bali’s most celebrated woodcarvers, whose works are recognized not only in Indonesia but also around the world. The level of craftsmanship found in Mas is unmatched, with woodcarvers often dedicating months, or even years, to completing a single piece.
Today, Mas Village continues to be a hub of creativity, where visitors can observe the woodcarving process firsthand, meet the artisans, and learn about the cultural significance behind each piece. Many families in the village have turned their homes into workshops, allowing tourists to experience the traditional methods that have been preserved for generations.
Mas Village Wood Carving Art Facilities
To accommodate the influx of visitors and promote the preservation of woodcarving traditions, Mas Village offers a range of facilities that cater to both tourists and collectors:
- Wood Carving Workshops: Many artisans in Mas Village offer workshops where visitors can try their hand at wood carving. These workshops provide an opportunity to learn about the tools, techniques, and materials used in traditional Balinese wood carving.
- Art Galleries and Shops: The village is home to numerous galleries and shops where visitors can browse and purchase wood carvings. These galleries often showcase a wide variety of styles, from religious sculptures to modern art pieces, ensuring that there is something for every taste.
- Art Schools: Mas Village is also home to art schools where young Balinese students are trained in the traditional art of wood carving. These schools play a crucial role in preserving the craft for future generations.
- Cultural Tours: Visitors to Mas Village can participate in guided tours that explain the history and significance of wood carving in Balinese culture. These tours often include visits to workshops and demonstrations by master carvers.
- Cafes and Restaurants: After a day of exploring the village and its woodcarving art, visitors can relax at one of the village’s cafes or restaurants, many of which offer scenic views of the surrounding rice fields.
Conclusion
Mas Wood Carving Village is not just a destination for art enthusiasts but a living testament to Bali’s rich cultural heritage. With its deep-rooted history in wood carving, Mas has become the heart of this ancient art form, continuing to inspire and captivate visitors from around the world. Whether you’re looking to purchase a unique souvenir, learn about traditional Balinese craftsmanship, or simply immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere, a visit to Mas Village is a must for anyone exploring Bali’s cultural side.