Unique and Interesting, Here are 4 Inspirations for Local Cultural Crafts

Indonesia can be said to be a treasure trove of culture and local wisdom. If you visit a region, they surely have various unique aspects that distinguish them from other areas.

This is one of the legacies that we should preserve. Many artisans are starting to develop works inspired by local cultural crafts, see the following examples.

1. Batik Unique to Various Regions in Indonesia

Batik has been developed by its artisans by incorporating cultural elements from folklore, symbols, and even myths that exist in the region.

Each artisan can also develop their own style to produce a very attractive motif. The more diverse and intricate the patterns painted, the higher the price of the batik.

Did you know that batik has been recognized as one of Indonesia's cultural heritage? On October 2, 2009, UNESCO, as one of the organizations working in the fields of education, science, and culture under the auspices of the UN, confirmed this. It is no wonder that batik has become increasingly recognized and serves as an inspiration for local cultural crafts in Indonesia.

2. Carving Crafts or Sculptural Art

If you have ever visited a temple, you are certainly familiar with what is called relief. Relief is one form of carving craft made to tell the story of governance, myths, or religious teachings of its time.

Until now, the art of carving continues to develop and many still incorporate cultural elements.

Carving can be done on various media. The media that can be used include metal, stone, and wood. One impressive aspect is that carving crafts can continue to evolve, and even more artisans are combining cultural elements with a modern touch so that carving art can still be enjoyed and is not outdated.

Read also: Learn Balinese Culture in These 5 Villages

3. Crafts from Weaving Art

Weaving is one form of local cultural craft in Indonesia that is equally interesting. Weaving was once a technique widely used because at that time there were not many media and tools like sewing machines.

The technique of locking one material with another in an overlapping manner became one of the commonly used methods.

If you want to create a work of art, you can use this technique. This technique can be used if you want to make a craft from plant materials.

What is the reason this technique is widely used for crafts from plants? The reason is that plants have a fairly flexible model, making them easy to shape.

4. Traditional Weaving Crafts of Indonesia

Not only batik, but the craft that produces interesting and unique patterned fabrics is weaving. This craft has developed significantly and has become one of the pride because weaving techniques greatly reflect Indonesian culture. Regions known for their weaving products include Palembang, NTT, and NTB.

These areas develop various different motifs, making them characteristic of the woven fabrics produced in those regions.

If you have ever seen woven fabric motifs with chain star and nago bersaung designs, it means you have seen the characteristic motifs of Palembang woven fabric. The diversity of motifs makes weaving one of the inspirations for local cultural crafts.

Read Also: Besides Batik! Here are 5 Unique Souvenirs from Pekalongan That Are Equally Interesting

Thus, these are 4 types of cultures that you can highlight and use as inspiration in your work. The work you produce will be closely related to local elements if you successfully combine your ideas with the types of culture mentioned earlier. Although the times have evolved, it does not mean that local culture cannot continue to exist.

cc image: Yan Arief flickr