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This article shares some experiences through Balinese Mask Carving Workshops mentored by mask maker and dancer Kadek Sudiasa, here at Sawidji. Thank you to the wonderful group that came to visit us this past May. This is dedicated to you.
It was a warm morning in late May in Denpasar. Though we are not strangers to a tight schedule, that day was particularly energetic. The house was being readied for a group workshop in Balinese Mask Carving, with Kadek Sudiasa as a mentor, aided by his assistant Pak Yan. ManButur went to the market and brought back some traditional cakes (jajan), and Hannah got busy setting up the space to greet our group.
We have run many mask carving workshops, but this was a significantly larger group than usual. Even Kadek Sudiasa had prepared to have an additional mentor, a special arrangement of masks to display, as well as the additional tools for a large group to participate. And a special mask on display from his personal collection, a White Rangda Mask.
Practical Knowledge from Generations of Practice
Introductions begin, and an interesting background is shared on the role masks have in Balinese culture. In particular, the traditional dances that are significant in temple rituals, as well as the differences between decorative, performance and sacred ritualised masks.
We talked about the wood from which it is carved (the Blackboard Tree (Alstonia Scholaris), otherwise also known as the Devil’s Tree). Here in Bali, the tree is known as the Pulai Tree. Considered to be one of our sacred trees. The non-academic facts, perhaps, really touched a point. The observations we have about wood, the weight of it, how to tell which side of the wood is the top side of the tree, for instance.
Tools of the Mask Maker
The shape of the chisels and what type of grooves they make. About the ‘smiling mask’ and the significance of mastering it for apprentice mask makers. The length of the hammer that mask makers measure according to their arm length and other little bits and pieces like this. An earlier article, ‘The Tools of the Mask Maker,’ may be of interest if you’d like to know more about the tools involved in traditional Balinese mask carving.
Before we started the physical part of the workshop (sometimes a gruelling part), Kadek also performed some small recitals with several masks from his collection. As a traditional Mask Dancer, his informal performances are extremely moving and show us the life journey and cultural context of Balinese masks. They are not simply there to be hung on the wall.
Balinese masks come alive through dance and performance, and more so rooted in traditional culture, in sacred dances and rituals. A glimpse of the different characters appears in front of us. You can see the evident surprise on everyone’s faces. Simple changes in gestures, voice tone, and it is as if Kadek Sudiasa left the room. Someone completely different appears. No simple explanation for this is simply because of a piece of wood that covers one’s face. There is something of wonder, exactly why we say they are the Living Masks of Bali.
Learning Through Process
“There is such a richness of culture and knowledge in Bali’s tradition of mask making. This is not just a process; our aim in our workshops is to provide a practical and relaxed space to share the real, tangible presence of masks in Bali. The roots of it in our culture as a way of preserving our cultural knowledge.” ~Manbutur Suantara
There is spirit in the mask, a shared human recognition. A connected deep history translating to.. a feeling? Perhaps this is why we all can relate to the mask. It is as though, from as early as we can remember, we search our faces to either try to conceal or reveal some desperate question.
Power and Restraint
Well..what did the masks reveal for our group this day? They will all tell you, it is not as easy as it looks, to carve a mask. They wrestled with wood, they poured out real energy, sweat and effort to find, through each chiselling, a little more of something they could recognise. It is considerable exertion, but there has to be control. Power has to go into it, and yet restraint is crucial. To not take away too much too soon of the face that awaits.
I think this is quite miraculous every time. Even through frustration, even through sheer hard work that seems at times innocuous, you could see the growing anticipation, waiting to see who would look back at them from the piece of Pulai wood.
One can sympathise with the ordeal, and yet everyone we have met so far in the workshops. As soon as the piece of wood starts to take the shape of a face, the motivation and excitement rise again. All anticipating the point of revelation, of the face they would uncover. ‘Can you see it?’ ‘Ah.. there it is, he’s looking back at me now’.. are some of the whispers we heard.
Discovering the reality of an imaginary face..
This is the wonder of the mask. This bond grows fast and deeply in its creation. Is it because you can hold it? Moulding it to your face, to cover or to reveal? Perhaps this intimacy with the mask is what makes it feel so immediately connected to us. You can hide behind the mask, make gestures you would not normally make, hiding your usual expressions.
There is a mystery again, of the self. We experience ourselves differently when we are facing the face we have carved. Is it a wonder, then, why we make both our superheroes and our villains adorn themselves with masks? The mask is in itself our endeavour to see ourselves. We share our love of masks. We learn history, traditions, both ancient and contemporary. The mask as a whole is profound. Even as the mask conceals our faces, the making of one is a revelation of ourselves.
Bridging Cultural Roots in a Global Community
As Bali’s community can no longer be justifiably said to be homogenous, not with 7 million visitors coming into the island every year, it is just as important for our visitors to have opportunities to be inspired by the true richness of our roots and traditions. Through process and direct experiences. That traditional arts and culture is not something showcased but a modest and thriving part of our contemporary lives today” ~Dian Dewi
“It seems like something substantial, in such a short amount of time, the result and content are truly unique. You take away something with you, something meaningful, not just in the form of a fun workshop, but with memorable personal experiences.” ~ Reza Dwi Pramana.
Sawidji would love to thank all of you for an amazing day and all the positive energy and participation.
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