Mas Village
About Mas Village
Mas Village is a small, traditional village located near Ubud in Bali, known for its long-standing heritage in wood carving. The village is a hub for skilled artisans who create intricate wooden sculptures, masks, statues, and decorative pieces, often inspired by Balinese culture, mythology, and nature. Visitors to Mas can explore workshops and galleries to admire both traditional and contemporary works of art, with many artisans continuing the craft passed down through generations. In addition to its artistic legacy, the village offers a peaceful rural setting, making it an ideal place to experience authentic Balinese craftsmanship away from the more crowded tourist areas.
History of Mas Village
Mas’s history is deeply intertwined with its cultural and artistic development. The village has been a center for Balinese art for centuries, with strong connections to religion and spirituality. Here’s a brief overview of its historical evolution :
- Early History
The village has been an important center for the development of wood carving since the early 20th century. The village’s wood carving tradition is deeply rooted in Hindu-Balinese culture, with artisans initially creating carvings for religious purposes, such as temple offerings and statues of Hindu deities. These carvings reflected spiritual themes and mythological stories, as well as scenes of Balinese daily life.
- Rise as a Wood Carving Center
By the early 20th century, Mas had become a prominent hub for wood carving, using materials like teak, jackfruit, and sandalwood. The village’s carvings, depicting deities, mythological creatures, and floral motifs, were made for temples, palaces, and private homes.
- Western Influence
In the 1930s, Western artists like Walter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet introduced new techniques to the artisans, encouraging them to blend traditional Balinese art with Western styles, which helped evolve the craft and introduced it to a wider international audience.
- Tourism and Commercialization
With Bali’s tourism boom in the 1970s, the demand for decorative wood carvings grew. Artisans began producing more commercial pieces like sculptures, masks, and furniture for foreign tourists, which helped expand the industry beyond the local market.
- Preserving Tradition and Modern Adaptation
Today, Mas Village is still a key destination for traditional wood carving, with artisans maintaining detailed, culturally rich designs while adapting to modern tastes. The craft continues to be passed down through family-based workshops, preserving Balinese cultural heritage.
Cultural Significance
Mas Village plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Balinese culture. Here are the key aspects of its cultural significance :
Traditional Craftsmanship
- Generational Skills : The art of wood carving has been passed down through generations in Mas, with many artisans learning the craft from their parents or grandparents. This strong tradition ensures that the skills are preserved and continuously refined.
- Tools and Techniques : The carvers use a combination of traditional hand tools, such as chisels, hammers, and knives, to carve intricate designs into wood. The process involves a high level of precision, patience, and an intimate knowledge of the material.
Mas Village’s Cultural Legacy
- Preserving Balinese Heritage : The craftsmanship of wood carving in Mas is deeply rooted in Bali’s cultural traditions. The village continues to preserve this art form, ensuring that future generations will be able to carry on the legacy of the master carvers.
- Cultural Pride : The people of Mas take great pride in their wood carving tradition, with the village serving as a living testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that has defined Bali’s cultural identity for centuries.
Cultural and Religious Influences
- Sacred Symbolism : Many of the carvings in Mas reflect Bali’s Hindu culture, with designs that feature gods, goddesses, mythological creatures, and scenes from traditional Balinese life. Common themes include depictions of Balinese dancers, mythical animals, deities, and nature.
- Spiritual Connection : Some wood carvings are intended for use in temples or as offerings, highlighting the deep connection between Balinese art and spirituality. The carvings are often created with the intention of bringing blessings or representing spiritual beliefs.
Artistic Innovation
- Balinese and Modern Fusion : While Mas is known for its traditional wood carving techniques, many artisans are also experimenting with blending traditional Balinese designs with more contemporary elements. This fusion of old and new attracts both local and international buyers.
- Creative Expression : The village has become a hub for innovation, with some artists pushing the boundaries of traditional carving to create more abstract and modern pieces, while still maintaining the essence of Balinese craftsmanship.
Wood Carving Mastery
- World-Famous Wood Carving : Mas is known as one of Bali’s premier wood carving villages. The artisans here are highly skilled, creating stunning works of art from wood, including statues, decorative pieces, and intricate carvings.
- Detailed and Intricate Designs : Mas wood carvers are known for their ability to transform wood into beautifully detailed works of art, often featuring intricate patterns, symbolic figures, and rich cultural motifs.
Wide Range of Wood Carving Products
- Sculptures : Mas is known for its high-quality sculptures, which range from life-sized figures to smaller ornamental pieces. These sculptures often feature religious or cultural themes, and some are carved to order for collectors or temples.
- Furniture and Home Decor : In addition to statues and sculptures, the village is also known for creating wooden furniture and home decor items, such as carved panels, mirrors, doors, and decorative pieces that showcase the Balinese carving style.
- Wooden Masks : Another popular craft in Mas is the creation of wooden masks, which are used in traditional Balinese dances and rituals. These masks are meticulously carved and often painted with vibrant colors to represent deities or characters from Balinese mythology.
Key Features
Mas Village is a culturally rich and vibrant community in Ubud, known primarily for its traditional wood carving and its deep connection to Balinese culture. Here are key features of Mas Village :
Techniques of Wood Carving in Mas Village
Wood carving in Mas Village is a highly specialized art passed down through generations. Local artisans use various hand tools and techniques, blending traditional methods with modern adaptations to create intricate Balinese carvings. Here are some of techniques used in Mas Village :
- Hand-Carving Techniques
The artisans of Mas primarily use traditional hand-carving techniques, which involve meticulous, labor-intensive work. Key techniques include :
- Relief Carving: One of the most common techniques used in Mas Village is relief carving, where the design is carved into a flat surface but remains attached to the background. The depth of carving varies, creating a sense of three-dimensionality. This technique is often used for depicting deities, animals, or nature scenes.
- Free-Standing Sculpture: For more intricate works, some wood carvings are created as free-standing sculptures, where the carving is fully detached from the surrounding wood. These sculptures may depict figures, gods, animals, or everyday life and are often displayed in homes, temples, and galleries.
- Bas-Relief: This is a type of low-relief carving where the figures are slightly raised above the background. It allows for detailed work, and the figures tend to appear as if they are emerging from the surface of the wood.
- Texturing: Artisans use various tools to add texture to the surface of the wood, such as creating a rough finish for landscapes or animal fur. This adds depth and life to the design.
- Sanding and Polishing : After carving, the wood is often sanded and polished to smooth out rough surfaces and bring out the natural beauty of the wood grain. Fine sanding ensures that the carving is delicate and smooth, while polishing may enhance the shine of the wood, giving it a lustrous finish.
- Natural Finishes : Some pieces are left with a natural finish, where the wood’s surface is treated with a light oil or varnish to protect it and enhance its natural texture.
- Lacquer and Staining : Other carvings are finished with lacquer or stains to provide color and added durability.
Tools Used in Mas Wood Carving
The tools used in Mas Village are simple but highly effective for creating detailed woodwork. Key tools include :
- Chisels and Gouges : Different types of chisels, such as flat, curved, and veining gouges, are used to create fine lines, curves, and textures in the wood. These tools allow artisans to carve both delicate and bold patterns.
- Mallet : A wooden mallet is used to strike the chisels and gouges with precision, ensuring controlled force when carving.
- Files and Rasps : These are used to smooth the carved wood, shaping the surface and refining details.
- Knife : A carving knife is often used for finer, more intricate details.
Types of Wood Carvings in Mas Village
The types of wood carvings in Mas Village are vast, ranging from religious and ritualistic pieces to decorative and practical items. Here are some types of wood carvings in Mas Village :
- Religious and Spiritual Carvings
Many wood carvings in Mas are inspired by Balinese Hinduism, which plays a significant role in the village’s artistic expression. Some common religious carvings include :
- Deities and Gods : Figures of gods, goddesses, and spiritual beings such as Ganesha, Shiva, Durga, and Brahma are common subjects of wood carvings. These carvings are used in temples and as offerings for religious ceremonies.
- Mythical Creatures : Creatures from Balinese mythology, such as Barong (the protective lion-like spirit) and Rangda (the demon queen), are frequently depicted in carvings. These pieces are typically carved in high relief to express the powerful symbolism of these characters.
- Sacred Reliefs : Carvings that tell stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana or Mahabharata can often be found in Mas. These reliefs are typically displayed in temples, palaces, and shrines.
- Decorative Carvings
Decorative wood carvings are highly valued in Bali and can be found in many local homes, hotels, and galleries. These types of carvings can range from intricate floral patterns to geometric designs :
- Floral and Vine Motifs : One of the most common design elements in Balinese wood carvings is floral patterns. These are often used to decorate panels, frames, and other objects.
- Geometric and Abstract Patterns : More contemporary pieces may incorporate abstract or geometric patterns, showcasing the craftsmanship and versatility of the artisans in Mas.
- Masks : Carved masks are a key feature in the wood carving tradition in Mas. These are often used in traditional Balinese dances and rituals, where they represent various deities, spirits, or symbolic figures. The masks are often large, highly detailed, and expressive.
- Sculptural Figures
The people of Mas are also renowned for creating detailed sculptural figures in wood. These include :
- Bali Dancers : Many carvers create statues of Balinese dancers, capturing the elegance and grace of the traditional dances through finely detailed figures. The dancers’ poses and intricate costumes are often carved with a high level of precision.
- Animals and Birds : Wildlife plays an important role in Balinese culture, and many sculptures in Mas feature animals such as elephants, lions, birds, and turtles. These carvings are often life-sized or smaller and are highly detailed, capturing the essence of each creature.
- Everyday Life and Objects
Mas artisans also carve objects of practical use that feature aesthetic elements, including :
- Furniture : Intricately carved wooden furniture, such as chairs, tables, and cabinets, is a staple in Balinese homes. These often feature decorative elements like floral carvings, mythical creatures, or traditional Balinese motifs.
- Wooden Panels and Doors : Many of the village’s wood carvings are used to create decorative panels and doors for homes, temples, and hotels. These panels are usually richly carved with traditional motifs and sometimes include mythological scenes or spiritual symbols.
Materials Used in Mas Wood Carving
The types of wood used by artisans in Mas are key to achieving the fine details in their carvings. The most common types of wood used are :
- Teak : Highly durable and resistant to decay, teak wood is often used for larger carvings like statues, furniture, and door panels.
- Mahogany : Known for its deep reddish-brown color, mahogany is often used for furniture and detailed relief work.
- Coconut Wood : The unique texture of coconut wood makes it ideal for creating smaller, more intricate carvings.
- Rosewood : Known for its fine grain and rich color, rosewood is commonly used for high-end carvings, particularly in decorative and sculptural art.
What to Do
Mas Village is a vibrant hub for traditional Balinese wood carving and craftsmanship. Here’s a list of things you can do when visiting Mas Village :
- Visit Mas Art Galleries : There are several small art galleries in Mas Village showcasing local artists’ work, such as wood carving art. You’ll have the opportunity to discover unique pieces that reflect the island’s rich cultural heritage.
- See the Craft in Action : You can tour local workshops and watch skilled artisans at work. This provides a unique opportunity to witness the entire carving process, from the initial shaping of the wood to the final details of painting and polishing.
- Engage with Local Artists and Artisans : One of the best ways to experience Mas Village is to meet the artisans and learn about their craft. Many artists are happy to talk about their work, the traditions of Balinese art, and the significance behind their designs.
- Shop for Handcrafted Souvenirs : Mas is a great place to buy authentic Balinese wood carvings, which make for unique and meaningful souvenirs. Visitors can purchase everything from small decorative items to large sculptures, all handcrafted by skilled artisans.
- Workshops and Classes : Some local workshops offer classes where you can try your hand at carving, making it a hands-on experience where you can learn the basics of Balinese wood carving.
Visiting Tips
By following these tips, you’ll have a more enriching and respectful visit to Mas Village, making the most of your experience while gaining a deeper appreciation of Balinese art and culture. Here are some things to consider before visiting Mas Village :
- Best Time to Visit : To enjoy a more peaceful visit and avoid the crowds, try to visit in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Be Mindful of Photography : Always ask for permission before taking photos, especially inside galleries or artists’ workshops. Respect the privacy of the artists and their work, and ensure you are following any rules related to photography in private spaces.
Other Nearby Attractions
While you’re exploring Mas Village, there are several nearby spots that you can visit to enhance your experience of Bali’s unique beauty and traditions. Here are some top nearby attractions :
- Batuan Temple : A historic Balinese Hindu temple known for its intricate carvings and spiritual significance which is 10 minutes by car .
- Goa Gajah Temple : An ancient cave and temple complex featuring intricate stone carvings, meditation chambers, and pools for spiritual cleansing which is 20 minutes by car .
- Tegenungan Waterfall : A scenic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery which is 20 minutes by car .
- Bali Zoo : An ideal destination for families, offering interactive activities like animal feeding and night safaris which is 10 minutes by car .
- Bali Bird Park : Home to hundreds of bird species from Indonesia and around the world which is 15 minutes by car .
Why Visit Mas Village ?
Mas Village offers a deep dive into Balinese artistic tradition, where you can experience the culture, see traditional art in the making, and purchase beautiful handmade items directly from local artisans. It’s a peaceful, authentic destination where you can appreciate Bali’s natural beauty while engaging with the island’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you are an art lover, a culture seeker, or simply in search of a tranquil retreat, Mas Village is a perfect place to visit for a unique Balinese experience.
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