Jimbaran - An ongoing exhibition at Jenggala Bali‘s captivating compound in Jimbaran is giving the island‘s arts connoisseurs the opportunity to admire ancient masks and rare textiles from various cultures across the archipelago.
Bali‘s leading contemporary dancer, I Nyoman Sura, gave an intense performance in front of around 180 guests during the opening ceremony of the month-long exhibit on Aug. 14.
"The exhibit is part of our continuing efforts to preserve and promote the rich cultural legacy of our nation," Jenggala‘s marketing communications manager, Keke Hidayat, said.
The exhibit features 60 ancient masks from various regions in Indonesia, including Java, Bali and Kalimantan. The displayed masks are part of the collections of Jimbaran‘s Gallery Tiempo and Mas‘ Rumah Topeng dan Wayang Kubu Bingin.
The latter is a private, non-profit institution committed to the preservation of Indonesia‘s topeng (masks) and wayang (puppet). It currently has a collection of more than 500 masks and more than 2,000 puppets.
"We appreciate the initiative from Jenggala to organize this exhibit. We have always embraced efforts to introduce Indonesia‘s mask and puppet heritage to a wider audience," Kubu Bingin‘s curator, Prayitno, said.
The ancient masks were carved by selected craftsmen and made from wood of carefully chosen trees, often trees that were thought to have supernatural or healing properties. These masks play an important role in the performing arts and religious belief systems of the regions they originate from.
"Some of these masks form a vital element in indigenous rituals, including the ritual of fertility or the ritual held to ward off evil spirits. Some of the masks were also used in shamanic healing rituals," Prayitno said.
Keke said the exhibit only presented a small collection. Yet, she hoped it would inspire people to appreciate the special nature of Indonesia‘s mask tradition and craftsmanship.
"The masks are valued between Rp 5 million and Rp 16 million. However, not all masks are for sale ... those masks hanging on the wall are only meant to be admired," she pointed out.
In this exhibition, Jenggala also displays some of Southeast Asia‘s most powerful and intricate textiles -- all made in Indonesia. The textiles, woven only by women, were intended for daily wear, ceremonies, marriage dowries, and for burial and cremation rituals.
There are a vast variety of Indonesian textiles on display in the exhibit, including a selection from Nusa Tenggara -- Flores, Timor and the very small islands of Savu, Alor, Kisar, Adonara and Tanimbar. Their prices range from Rp 5 million to Rp 18 million.
Based in Bali, an island renowned for its creative artwork, Jenggala Bali is a leading producer of high-quality, handcrafted ceramics. Jenggala Bali‘s workshop draws on the talents of 190 Balinese craftspeople and is inspired by the wealth and diversity of Indonesian culture.
Masks and Textile Exhibition, Aug. 14 - Sept. 19, Jenggala Bali, Jl. Uluwatu II, Jimbaran, Tel. : 62 (361) 703311 (I Wayan Juniartha)
Source: http://old.thejakartapost.com (September 05, 2008)
