Batubulan, Village of Stone Carvers: The Artisans' Craft

Temple decorations, guardian statues, modern art. The traditional techniques of carving Balinese stone.

Traveling through Bali, one encounters exquisite stone carvings everywhere – from majestic temple gates and household entrances to garden decorations in hotels. Many of these creations originate from Batubulan, a village renowned for its stone carving tradition. 'Batubulan' means 'moon stone' in Indonesian, and fittingly, the village roads are lined with countless statues depicting gods, demons, and mythical creatures in various sizes. The artisans primarily use 'paras,' a soft volcanic tuff stone quarried locally. With remarkable skill, they wield traditional chisels and hammers, passed down through generations, breathing life into the hard stone. Batubulan's stone carvings stand as powerful testaments to how Balinese faith and artistry are deeply interwoven into the fabric of daily life.

Batubulan Village: Homeland of Stone Carvers

Located in Gianyar Regency along the main road from Denpasar to Ubud, Batubulan has long flourished as a center for stone carving artisans. Carvings by craftsmen from this village were essential for the construction of temples and palaces throughout the island. Their primary material is 'paras,' a type of sandstone formed from compacted volcanic ash. Being relatively soft and easy to work with, it's ideal for intricate and detailed carvings. However, it's also susceptible to weathering and moss growth. This tendency to gather moss lends Balinese stone statues their characteristic mystical, aged appearance, allowing them to blend harmoniously with the lush natural surroundings.

Gods and Guardians Adorning Temples

The most crucial role of Balinese stone carving is to adorn temples, transforming them into sacred spaces and protecting them from malevolent forces. Temple entrances are often guarded by fierce 'Dwarapala' statues holding weapons, while the lintel above the main gate frequently features the terrifying face of 'Boma,' believed to ward off evil spirits. Temple walls may be intricately decorated with relief panels depicting scenes from Hindu epics like the 'Ramayana,' conveying religious teachings to worshippers. These carvings are not mere decorations. Artisans often pray before starting work, viewing the act of carving itself as a form of devotion. It is believed that the carvings only become imbued with sacred power after they are completed and consecrated through specific rituals before being installed in the temple.

From Traditional Techniques to Modern Garden Objects

The skills of Batubulan's carvers have been passed down through generations, typically from father to son, through hands-on practice within family workshops. Often working without detailed blueprints, they rely on mental images and practiced skill to create stunning sculptures. This traditional craftsmanship continues vibrantly today. In recent years, responding to demand from tourists and international buyers, artisans also produce a wide range of items beyond religious carvings, including modern sculptures for hotel lobbies, garden fountains, and animal statues. New styles blending traditional motifs with contemporary sensibilities are constantly emerging, ensuring Batubulan remains the evolving heart of Bali's stone carving culture.

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