Gamelan in Bali, Indonesia
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Gamelan means "to strike". It is an Indonesian ensemble of mostly percussion instruments that dates back to the third century. It is still VERY popular in Bali, especially in and around the Ubud, where performances occur daily and nightly for both locals and tourists. |
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Although a player may be featured center-stage, ensembles usually play on the side of the stage, accompanying other performers. | |
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Remains of an old
Gamelan Selonding instrument in the Bali Museum in Denpasar.
Gamelan at the Ubud Palace. |
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The following photos were taken at Gong Yudha in Tihingan. |
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The brass is heated until it is red hot, then hammered, reheated, then hammered, over and over until it has been forged into the proper shape. | ||
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The keys are shaped and tuned with files. | |
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The carved frame is painted red, then gold. |
To purchase this gamelan, please contact I Ketut Suwena, Gong Yudha, Jl. Gong Gede No. 4, Tihingan, Klungkung, Bali, Indonesia, telephone: (0366) 22323. |
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| Many specialists are involved in creating the gamelan. The following photos were taken at Sidha Karya in Banjar. | |
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The keys are cast in the molds seen below. Later they are placed in the coals until red hot, then hand forged by skilled blacksmiths. |
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Crucibles and molds for the keys. |
Next, the keys are cleaned with an electric grinder (on the right), then hit with a striker . . . |
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. . . and filed for tuning. The gongs are also tuned with a file. |
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The frames are carved and painted by other specialists. |
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This gamelan is looking for a home. To purchase it, please contact: I Made Gabeleran & Sons, Sidha Karya, Banjar, Babakan, Blahbatuh - Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia, telephone: (0361) 942798. |
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LINKS:
The Kris in Java and Bali, Indonesia
Woodcarving in Bali, Indonesia
Stone Carving in Bali, Indonesia
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Water Buffalo Horn Carving in Bali, Indonesia
Terracotta Roof Tiles in Bali, Indonesia
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Traditional Painting in Bali, Indonesia
Batik of Java and Bali, Indonesia
Ikat Weaving in Bali, Indonesia
Songket Weaving in Bali, Indonesia
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Blacksmithing in Andalucia, Spain
Metal Spinning in Seville, Spain
Mexican Jeweler, Francisco Garcia Guevara
Metal Casters of Foumban, Cameroon, Africa
Lost Wax Casting in Krofofrom, Ghana
Haida Silversmith, Dave Hunter
Tinsmithing in Guanajuato, Mexico
Betancourt Icons of Guanajuato, Mexico
Polish icon maker, Dr. Miroslaw Mrozowski
Cloisonne enameling in Beijing
Competent bilingual guides (with their own vehicles) are essential.
Rudy (arranged through
Tutut) was my fabulous guide in Bali.
Web page, photographs, and text by Carol Ventura in 2007. Please look at
Carol's home page to see more
about crafts around the world.
