According to the Balinese chronicles, Danghyang Nirartha (Padanda
Sakti Bahu Rauh) came to Bali from Java at the end of the 15th century
and made his home in this village. This priest, from whom almost all of
Bali's Brahmanas claim descent, gave Balinese Hinduism the form it now
presents, including its highly complex offerings and spectacular cremation
rituals. He became court priest of the Gelgel ruler.
Dozens of temples in Bali are associated with his name, for he made long
trips on foot through the island. Most of the villagers of Mas (which
means "gold") are Brahmanas who honor their ancestor in the Pura Taman
Pule built upon the site of Nirartha is residence.
In the olden days, the fine arts of woodcarving
and painting were reserved almost exclusively for royal and religious
purposes. Nowadays they are also produced for enjoyment and commerce.'
Men of every caste are artisans, and in Mas live some of the most talented.
The best known is lda Bagus Nyana, who in 1 974 received a high national
reward in recognition of his art. For many years he has not sold his beautiful
and original carvings, which may be seen at his home. His son, lda Bagus
Tilem, is one of several accomplished sculptors working at Mas.
Some carvers specialize in masks for the Topeng and other dances. Do not
be surprised when you visit an art shop to find a corps of woodcarvers
making statues-the Balinese do everything in groups, and many of the young
carvers work under the direction of a master. A carver selects his seasoned
block of timber-often, an ebony from Sulawesi then shapes the rough form
with an axe. With a mallet and dozens of small chisels, the carving is
worked into its finished form and finally smoothened. The polish is nothing
more than shoe shine. Again, the sculptors begin young. The most expensive
carving is often done by boys of twelve years.
Sakti Bahu Rauh) came to Bali from Java at the end of the 15th century
and made his home in this village. This priest, from whom almost all of
Bali's Brahmanas claim descent, gave Balinese Hinduism the form it now
presents, including its highly complex offerings and spectacular cremation
rituals. He became court priest of the Gelgel ruler.
Dozens of temples in Bali are associated with his name, for he made long
trips on foot through the island. Most of the villagers of Mas (which
means "gold") are Brahmanas who honor their ancestor in the Pura Taman
Pule built upon the site of Nirartha is residence.
In the olden days, the fine arts of woodcarving
and painting were reserved almost exclusively for royal and religious
purposes. Nowadays they are also produced for enjoyment and commerce.'
Men of every caste are artisans, and in Mas live some of the most talented.
The best known is lda Bagus Nyana, who in 1 974 received a high national
reward in recognition of his art. For many years he has not sold his beautiful
and original carvings, which may be seen at his home. His son, lda Bagus
Tilem, is one of several accomplished sculptors working at Mas.
Some carvers specialize in masks for the Topeng and other dances. Do not
be surprised when you visit an art shop to find a corps of woodcarvers
making statues-the Balinese do everything in groups, and many of the young
carvers work under the direction of a master. A carver selects his seasoned
block of timber-often, an ebony from Sulawesi then shapes the rough form
with an axe. With a mallet and dozens of small chisels, the carving is
worked into its finished form and finally smoothened. The polish is nothing
more than shoe shine. Again, the sculptors begin young. The most expensive
carving is often done by boys of twelve years.
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