HANDCRAFTS

Handicrafts or handicrafts are artistic activities that emphasize manual skills and functions to process raw materials that are often found in the environment into objects that are not only useful, but also aesthetically valuable. The work for this activity is called crafts or crafts.

Handicrafts can "borrow" a lot of knowledge in pure visual art such as how to sculpt or carve to produce products, but still without concentrating too much on emotional satisfaction as is common in paintings and sculptures. Handicrafts also more often follow traditions than discoveries that are often found individually by an artist. Handicrafts can be in the form of works of earth, stone, cloth, metal or wood.

History

Handicrafts began to develop in the Neolithic Age or the New Stone Age. This era was a time of great change in human life. This change is seen in human life which shifted from gathering food to producing food. Humans no longer moved but settled in one place. They have known how to farm and raise livestock. Because they have settled in one place, they gradually have the skill to make houses. Because they lived in society, they began to think about many things, including making craft items, which not only had a certain function, but were also interesting to look at. The making of these craft items accompanied the making of new tools which were a legacy of the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Ages. Through mixing with other cultures in Asia, crafts in Indonesia became richer in decorative motifs.

Typical Indonesian Handicrafts

1. Weaving

Source: Indonesiakaya.com

Since long ago, Indonesia has been famous for its woven crafts, especially woven with bamboo material. Bamboo woven is often found in the form of household furniture, such as chairs, food covers, pots, and baskets.

In addition to bamboo, other materials that are often made into woven are palm leaves, rattan, pandan leaves, and animal skin. Each material usually produces a different form of Indonesian handicraft.

For artificial purposes, for example, woven is also often created as room decorations. These decorations are perfect for those of you who like ethnic themes in the house!

2.    Wayang

Who doesn't know wayang? This typical Indonesian handicraft is already very popular in the international arena. In fact, wayang is performed specifically in various countries, you know.

There are various types of wayang, Shopee Friends. Starting from wayang kulit, wayang golek, wayang klitik, to wayang beber, all have their own characteristics that make them interesting.

This craft, which is thick with Javanese culture, is often used for performances. However, there are also quite a few people who use wayang as room decorations. Do you have wayang at home.

3.    Wood carvings

Crossed by the equator, Indonesia excels in the quality of its wood because it grows in a tropical country. There are also local wood carvers who are known to be skilled in creating the best wood carving crafts.

The reason is, this typical Indonesian craft has been heard of to the ends of the world! This is evident from the various results of wood carvings such as calligraphy, statues, and reliefs from Indonesia that have been widely exported, even to Europe.

4. Batik

Source: CNNIndonesia.com

Batik is not only recognized in Indonesia, you know, but also the world. The proof is, UNESCO has designated batik as a Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on October 2, 2009.

This proves that the existence of batik has spread to the international scene. In fact, there are many top Hollywood celebrities who have worn batik when walking on the red carpet, you know!

Interestingly, this handicraft has its own uniqueness from each region in Indonesia.

For example, the mega mendung batik typical of Cirebon has a motif like the sky and clouds. Meanwhile, the parang batik from Yogyakarta has a motif like the letter 'S'. Very cool, huh?

5. Pottery

Source: jogjakartour.com/

The next typical Indonesian craft is pottery. This art is made from clay which is then fired and shaped. The forms are also diverse, but most of them are related to kitchen utensils, such as jugs, braziers, and jars. There is one unique thing about pottery. It turns out that each region generally makes different types of pottery crafts.For example, craftsmen in Yogyakarta make more household pottery, such as jugs, mortars, and braziers. This is different from craftsmen on the north coast of Papua. The texture of their pottery is not smooth and is decorated with beautiful Sentani-style motifs.

6.    Ceramics

Source: tokopedia.com

Many people think that pottery and ceramics are the same thing. In fact, these two Indonesian handicrafts are different, even though the raw materials are similar.

Pottery is fired using a furnace with a temperature below 1000 degrees Celsius. If lifted, its weight is heavier than ceramics. The painting is done after firing.

Meanwhile, ceramics are fired at a temperature of more than 1200 degrees Celsius. As a result, ceramics are lighter than pottery. The painting process is also carried out before firing so that the ceramics look smooth and shiny.

7.    Woven fabric

Source: liburanmulu.com

Woven fabric is one of the most popular Indonesian handicrafts. How could it not be? Indonesia has various types and motifs of beautiful and special woven fabrics!

Almost every region in Indonesia has unique woven fabrics. All have different motifs, colors, and characteristics.

Basically, woven fabrics are used as clothing to cover the body. However, more than that, woven fabrics also have other functions according to their region of origin, be it social, religious, economic, or aesthetic functions.

8.    Statues

Source: tokopedia.com

A statue is a replica of a person, animal, or other form made in three dimensions. Generally, statues are made of stone, wood, metal, and glass by carving.

In Indonesia, there are many types of statues that you can find, ranging from imaginative statues, abstract statues, to primitive or regional statues. In fact, these types of statues can now be found in various art galleries.

9.    Masks

Source: jogja.antaranews.com

Who would have thought that masks are also a typical Indonesian craft that is world famous?

Yes, since prehistoric times, masks have been widely used in regional events. For example, this one product is often used to complement regional art music.

The reason is, masks function to describe a person's expression and character. Therefore, there are masks that show angry, smiling, and even firm expressions.

10.    Stone crafts

Source: Humas.jatengprov.go.id

Stones can not only be used as a foundation for a house, you know. In fact, in Indonesia, stones are also one of the handicrafts that are no less cool!

For example, in the kitchen, you can find stones that are used as the best pestle. As decoration, stones are often used as vases, garden lights, walls, fountains, and even photo frames.

In addition to being functional tools, stones can also be made into small to large statues, you know. Interesting, right?

11. Metal crafts

Source: javacoppercraft

The last typical Indonesian craft is made from metal. Generally, metal is processed into useful items, both in two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms.

What are the metal crafts? There are many, Shopee Friends. You may find them most often in the kitchen, such as cutlery, frying pans, pots, stoves, ovens, and sinks.

With a higher price, metal is also often made into statues and home decorations. Make no mistake, metal is easy to shape into unique products!