What does indigenous art say about Indonesian culture?
When - did Indonesian art start?
Indonesian art forms can include designs traced back to early animistic beliefs, ancestor worship, Hindu or Buddhist influenced motifs brought by Indian traders, Chinese or Islamic symbols and beliefs. Foreign influence on Indonesian art forms was brought about by centuries of exposure to other cultures through trade. Immigrants from China, India, the Arab world and later Europe traveled to the archipelago in search of the unique spices grown in Indonesia. These traders settled and brought with them rich artistic traditions which influenced the development of local art.
Who do this art?
Indonesian people, indonesian artists.
Which
Indonesian art forms are rich in symbolism. The mythical naga or dragon; the mamuli pendant - symbol of fertility from Sumba, the tree of life, the mythological beast Garuda (also a national symbol found on the Panca Silasymbol), all have special meanings in Indonesian traditions, myths and beliefs.
Where in indonesia, this art can be found?
A few months after beginning your exploration of the various Indonesian art forms, certain provinces will soon take on character all their own through the art forms you association with them ... Javanese batik, Balinese carvings, Kalimantan baby bak, Malukan pearls, Bugis silk sarong, Lombok pottery, Dayak blow guns, Sumba ikat and more. Your travels throughout Indonesia will be enriched by your exposure to the development of different art forms in each province.
How is the art (textile) done?
Weavings from the 27 provinces utilize different materials, methods, colors and designs. Primarily formed on back looms, weeks or months are spent creating intricate designs for everyday use or ceremonial wear. These weavings are primarily known by the different techniques that are used to create the distinctive designs.
Why - Why this important to them?
A wide range of items, both useful and decorative are made from natural fibers such as pandanus, rattan, bamboo and grasses. Rice spoons, bowls, containers, woven mats, baskets, lamp shades, boxes, natural paper products and a multitude of other items are made from natural fibers in Indonesia.
Summary
This article (website) talked about different types of Indonesian art. It also linked them to Indonesian culture, so I could learn not only the characteristics of Indonesian art, but also the connection of them to Indonesian culture.
I could learn that Indonesian art originally came from their ancient religions like animism. It was influenced by foreign cultures such as the Indians, Chinese and Islamic through spices trades in older times.This was the beginning of how Indonesian art settled down. Now, there are so many famous Indonesian artists. As I mentioned, Indonesian art has deep connection with some religious beliefs, so symbolism and mythology are easily found in many art works. Indonesian art has their own characteristics in different areas in Indonesia.
Batik is one form of famous Indonesian art. It is done by so many different techniques, materials which specialize Indonesian art from others. Batik is a textile art and the weavings are done by hands. It was mostly by Indonesian women.
Aside from the beauty of Indonesian art itself, it has more significant meaning in it. It is that Indonesian art is very important to Indonesian people as they use their art in every part of their life including clothes, food (where they contain their food), houses and so on. They use variety of natural resources like pandanus, rattan, bamboo and grasses, and use them to make useful things in their life.
I was very impressed as Indonesian people did not just live their life as it was, but created their own art, and applied their art to their life style. It was very interesting. As I go through this unit, I would like to learn more about the relationship between art and the culture.
