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MAS
According to the Balinese
chronicles, Danghyang Nirartha (Padanda
Sakti Bahu Rauh) came to Bali from Java
at the end of the 15th century and made
his home in this village. This priest,
from whom almost all of Bali's Brahmanas
claim descent, gave Balinese Hinduism
the form it now presents, including its
highly complex offerings and spectacular
cremation rituals. He became court priest
of the Gelgel ruler.
Dozens
of temples in Bali are associated with
his name, for he made long trips on
foot through the island. Most of the
villagers of Mas (which means "gold")
are Brahmanas who honor their ancestor
in the Pura Taman Pule built upon the
site of Nirartha is residence.
In
the olden days, the fine arts of woodcarving
and painting were reserved almost exclusively
for royal and religious purposes. Nowadays
they are also produced for enjoyment
and commerce.' Men of every caste are
artisans, and in Mas live some of the
most talented. The best known is lda
Bagus Nyana, who in 1 974 received a
high national reward in recognition
of his art. For many years he has not
sold his beautiful and original carvings,
which may be seen at his home. His son,
lda Bagus Tilem, is one of several accomplished
sculptors working at Mas.
Some
carvers specialize in masks for the
Topeng and other dances. Do not be surprised
when you visit an art shop to find a
corps of woodcarvers making statues-the
Balinese do everything in groups, and
many of the young carvers work under
the direction of a master. A carver
selects his seasoned block of timber-often,
an ebony from Sulawesi then shapes the
rough form with an axe. With a mallet
and dozens of small chisels, the carving
is worked into its finished form and
finally smoothened. The polish is nothing
more than shoe shine. Again, the sculptors
begin young. The most expensive carving
is often done by boys of twelve years. |
