Once upon a time, not so long ago, Bali’s forests were so thick and abundant that wood was the most freely available material for building. But even then, people did not use it with abandon. There was a particular wood for every particular use. Before cutting down a tree, offerings were given to ask permission of the tree.

It is though that woodcarving developed in Bali because of the great amount of leisure time available to farmers between stages in the rice-growing cycle. There was time to carve ornamental motifs on doors, window frames, posts, and other architectural elements. Or to adorn the wooden frames of the gamelan’s bronze instruments. Or to create masks for Bali’s ritual theatre, or the exquisite little mythological figures that function as resting places for the gods.

In former times, Bali’s many royal courts were energetic sponsors of the art of carving through their practice of building and renovating palaces and temples. They required armies of craftsmen, and certain villages became specialized in carving either wood or stone, with the skilled being passed down through generations. Today in Bali, one can still see this heritage in the villages of Mas and Sebatu in the Gianyar regency, not far from Ubud. Craftsmen are still called upon for traditional architecture, and many have diversified into creative enterprises with foreign partners.

At Komaneka, guests can try their hand at this ancient craft. A Balinese artisan is on hand to show you how to handle the tools and approach the wood, in the same way that people have been carving for centuries.