Gerih Traditional Village: Exploring the Beauty of Belong Carving Art

Belong (Source: Personal Collection)

The history of belong handed down by our ancestors reflects its long evolutionary journey. Initially known as "Gumbleng". Belong was not only a water storage container for daily needs but also played a crucial role in ripening various fruits, such as bananas and mangoes. Our ancestors wisely utilized belong as a multifunctional tool that not only fulfilled practical needs but also held deep cultural value.

The transformation of belong from its functional aspect into a beautiful work of art is the result of the high dedication of local craftsmen, especially the artisans of Belong Bali Tantri. They don't just perceive belong as a functional object but also as a canvas to express beauty and creativity. This has led to the development of belong carving art, which has become the hallmark of Belong Bali Tantri in the Gerih Traditional Village.

Currently, belong has become a popular decorative element in home interior design. Belong is often placed as an ornament in the house's courtyard, such as carved pots, adding a rich touch of traditional Balinese aesthetics to the home's surroundings. Belong not only comes in various shapes but also with impressive carving variations. Craftsmen from Belong Bali Tantri have introduced innovation by creating belongs with intricate carvings, showcasing high skill and meticulousness in the crafting process. Conversely, there are also belongs with minimal carvings, offering a minimalist and elegant impression. Each carving on belong reflects Bali's cultural values and natural beauty, creating captivating works of art.

Shape of Belong (Source: Personal Collection)

The special shapes introduced by Belong Bali Tantri, such as Belong Gelas, add a unique aesthetic dimension. Belong Gelas comes in a tall and elegant form, exuding a captivating visual allure. On the other hand, Belong Ceper, with its short and stout shape, provides an interesting variation and can be easily placed in various corners of a room.

In the initial stages of production, the primary material used for making belong was clay. However, over time, a weakness was discovered in clay-based belongs, as they tended to be prone to breakage. After experimenting with clay, Mr. Wayan Winasa, the maker of belong, sought to formulate and find a more suitable material for the primary composition of belong. Eventually, he discovered a suitable material for crafting belong. The materials used in belong production are mixed and then molded using pre-formed zinc molds before being left to settle. After drying, the belongs are shaped according to the desired design.

Initially, the establishment of Belong Bali Tantri was driven by Mr. Wayan Winasa's desire to introduce our ancestral heritage to the wider world while ensuring its preservation. At that time, Mr. Wayan Winasa encountered several foreigners who showed a keen interest in the ancestral legacy of belong. These foreigners were captivated by the charm of belong and expressed a strong desire to purchase them. If the original heritage created by our ancestors were to be sold, these antique artifacts would eventually be depleted, leaving none behind. It was from this realization that Mr. Wayan Winasa conceived the idea of establishing Belong Bali Tantri.

There is a slight difference between the belongs crafted by Mr. Wayan Winasa today and those created by our ancestors. The distinction lies in the material used, namely stone. In the past, our ancestors used stone to create belongs, and the crafting process took quite a long time – extending for months. Apart from the material difference, the variations in the belongs made by our ancestors were not extensive. Belongs crafted by our ancestors lacked the diversity seen in contemporary creations. In terms of aesthetics, belongs made by our ancestors also did not feature carvings as embellishments. In contrast, the belongs created by Mr. Wayan Winasa have carvings on the outer sides, adding an aesthetic value to the belongs.

Full Carving Belong (Source: Personal Collection)

Belong Bali Tantri has been in operation since 1987. The belongs crafted by Belong Bali Tantri have gained international recognition, initially being marketed solely in Bali. However, their reach has extended beyond national borders to countries such as America, Korea, and India. Among these nations, Belong Bali Tantri is particularly popular in India. Overseas, these belongs are often used as decorative pieces within homes. The prices of Belong Bali Tantri are quite reasonable, ranging from Rp.150,000.00 to Rp.3,000,000.00.

It is important to acknowledge that the evolution of belong carving art is not only about creating commodities but also about preserving traditional values. Despite innovations in materials and designs, Belong Bali Tantri wisely maintains the essence and beauty of belong carving art inherited from our ancestors.

Truly, the heritage left by our ancestors is incredibly beautiful. They not only left behind useful items for our lives but also a form of art with immeasurable value. With the growth of belong craftsmen in the Gerih Traditional Village, it is hoped that the beauty of belong carving art, existing since ancient times, can continue to be preserved.