BALI MAS VILLAGE
BALI MAS VILLAGE IS THE CENTER OF WOOD CARVING ART IN BALI WITH BEAUTIFUL AND ARTISTIC CRAFTING
Bali Mas Village is one of the villages known as the center of wood carving art. Located in Ubud District, Gianyar Regency, in the eastern part of Bali, the village is known for its unique style of wood carving, combining humanism and naturalism. The village is nationally and internationally renowned for several famous maestros who have created works that give birth to and discover spirit (taksu) and soul. Along the village streets, there are many art shops selling various types of wood carvings. Visiting Mas Village as one of Gianyar places of interest is an unforgettable experience, especially for wood art lovers, as here you can see a variety of wood carvings of various sizes displayed in art galleries and available for purchase by tourists.
If you visit Mas Wood Carving Village, here’s what you need to know:
- Location Mas Wood Carving Village
- History of Mas Ubud Village
- History Wood Carving art at Mas Village
- Mas Village is The Center of Wood Carving Art in Bali
- Mas Village Wood Carving Art Facilities
Location Mas Wood Carving Village
Mas Village has a very strategic location, located on the main road connecting Denpasar and Ubud, and can be accessed from many directions. It is about 15 kilometers east from the center of Denpasar to the main road that leads to Ubud. If you depart from Denpasar, the entry point to Mas Village usually starts from Sakah, where there is a large baby statue that becomes a landmark in the middle of the road. This statue is a symbol of ancient human life that is full of philosophical, religious, and dynamic meanings for the locals. Mas Village is relatively easy to find as it is on the main route to Ubud, so many tourists stop here to enjoy the beauty of the wood carvings. If you want to explore on your own, you can use the help of Google Maps to guide your journey. However, if you want to be more comfortable and hassle-free, we from Bali Driver Hire offer Hire Car and Driver services at affordable prices, accompanied by friendly and experienced drivers to make your trip even more enjoyable.
History of Mas Ubud Village
The history of Mas Ubud Village can be seen from the journey of a holy Brahmin from the Majapahit Kingdom named Dang Hyang Nirartha, who came to Bali with the aim of spreading religious teachings. He stopped at Mas Village at the invitation of a knight (arya) named Mas Wilis, who came from the Majapahit Kingdom and settled in Bali. In Mas Village also lived another knight from Majapahit who had previously won a war against the king, namely Be Dulu, a despot who decided to settle in Bali. The arrival of Dang Hyang Nirartha to Mas Village brought various advice, directions, and religious, social, and cultural teachings to Mas Wilis. As a tribute, Dang Hyang Nirartha crowned Mas Wilis as Prince Manik Mas and planted a tall stick that later grew into a Tangi tree, which is said to be still alive today and is believed to be located in the Taman Pule Mas temple. Since that event, the village has been known as Mas Village. Prince Mas Wilis had a daughter who married Dang Hyang Nirartha, and they had a younger brother named Brahmana Mas. To this day, their descendants still exist in Ubud Village, inheriting the history and traditions of Dang Hyang Nirartha’s journey and influence in Mas Village.
History Wood Carving art at Mas Village
The Mas village has become famous since the royal era, when many artists from Mas Ubud were involved in the construction of the Ubud Royal Palace. Most of the villagers are carvers by profession, and the craft of carving has become an integral part of their lives. It is no wonder that the carvings produced are so stunning, as carving has become a very deep part of their lives. Initially, carving in Mas Village was intended to create places of worship (temples) with distinctive flower and leaf motifs. However, over time, the art of carving developed into works such as tables, chairs, doors, and statues made with meticulous care from wood. The motifs produced still follow the traditions of the royal era, passed down from generation to generation without losing the distinctive identity of Mas Village. Although the motifs continue to evolve, there are still characteristics of Balinese carving, such as leaf, flower, and fruit motifs with an alluring combination of convex and concave shapes. In addition, puppet pictures such as the Mahabrata and Ramayana are also often used as wall decorations or small statues. Mas Village has always been fascinated by the unparalleled beauty of its woodcarving. This makes the village a major attraction for tourists who want to visit the beauty and craftsmanship of wood carving in Mas Village, Ubud.
Mas Village is The Center of Wood Carving Art in Bali
Wood carving in Mas Village has long historical roots and many dimensions of meaning. These artworks cover various aspects of life, ranging from idol statues for worship to representations of the daily lives of Balinese people such as farmers, fishermen, workers, intellectuals, and traders. In addition, carving also has an abstract dimension that reflects the existence of the artist’s imagination in understanding the reality, dynamics, and philosophy of life. The people of Mas Village have transformed from an agrarian society to one that focuses on crafts. Nevertheless, they still serve the needs of the community, from trading to making souvenirs for foreign and domestic tourists. Along with the growth of tourism in Bali and the great interest of tourists in woodcarving crafts, several entrepreneurs also opened woodcarving art galleries in Mas Village. This has made Mas Village a center for interesting and beautiful wood carving crafts at affordable prices. The shopping experience there will definitely feel very comfortable and satisfying for tourists who are looking for the beauty and authenticity of Balinese wood carving art.
Mas Village Wood Carving Art Facilities
The facilities offered by each wood craftsman in Mas Village are very complete, which will provide an experience to pamper visitors who want to enjoy the beauty of wood carvings there. A large parking lot is available so that visitors do not need to worry about finding a parking space. In addition, visitors can witness firsthand the process of wood carving, from raw materials to beautiful works of art, as many craftsmen work in this place. In addition to watching the process of making wood carvings, visitors can also explore the collection of wood carvings there. Various forms of carvings are available for viewing, and visitors can also order wood carvings to their liking. The staff at this place is ready to accept orders and will work on them according to the request. For visitors who wish to send the wood carvings to their countries, a cargo service is available. Visiting the wood craft center in Mas Village is a very pleasant experience, as visitors can see firsthand the process of making wood carving artwork and also have the opportunity to take home unique wood carvings to their liking.