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Blacksmiths
Working as the king's armoires and as the vital source of agricultural tools and metallic musical instruments in pre-industrial Bali, the village blacksmiths were of very high social standing, free from the confines of the Hindu caste system. As a sign of deference, even the haughty Brahmanas were obliged to speak in High Balinese when speaking to a smith in his workshop. Royalty often made gifts of rice fields to honor smiths in their service. Blacksmiths had their own temples and burial grounds. Traditional blacksmiths (pande wesi)-using bellows, tongs, and anvils, charcoal fires from coconut-husks-still can be found on Bali. To see traditional gamelan instrument makers in action, visit the workshop of Pak Gabeleran in Blahbatuh where bronze is forged into xylophonic keys or pots. Ornate instrument stands are carved here as well. Tihingan village, five km north of the main Gianyar-Klungkung road, is another instrument-making center. Balinese musicians from all over the island come to these foundries to buy their musical instruments. The art of stained glass and iron mongering is kept alive by Mondirama in Padangtegal just before Ubud (if coming from Peliatan). Dolf, the owner, designs all his own glass and iron pieces. The glass manufactured at the shop is burned (oxidized) to achieve 130 colors. This method was used in medieval times. Artisans who restore European cathedrals have to use this method to match the ancient colors. Mondirama is the only factory of its kind in Indonesia. There's another one in Bandung, but they import glass from the US, which makes their products expensive. One of the largest and most complete stores for bronze decorative objects in Indonesia is the Golden Buffalo House of Bronze in Ubud and Kuta. They can create any kind of motif by designing a piece after one in their catalog or by creating a sample. |
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