Pakudui Traditional Village: A Globally Recognized Village of Garuda Sculpture Craftsmen
Traditional village, often referred to as "desa pakraman," pertains to a traditional community bound by local customs. In art tourism areas, the residents of traditional villages tend to rely on their village's status as a tourist village, much like Pakudui Traditional Village. Situated at the intersection of wood carving art and terraced rice field landscapes, Pakudui Traditional Village exemplifies this reliance on its cultural heritage and natural beauty as a tourist destination.
In the midst of the decreasing number of artists in Bali due to the erosion of traditional practices by modernization, the Pakudui Traditional Village in Gianyar remains steadfast in preserving its cultural heritage passed down through generations, representing the traditional community bound by local customs. Located in the Tegalalang sub-district, Gianyar regency, Bali province, this village is designated as a tourist village with a focus on the art of making Garuda statues and terraced rice fields to support daily life.
Pakudui Traditional Village, led by the village head Ketut Karma Wijaya, is situated in the northern part of the Gianyar regency. It has long been recognized as a village that produces Garuda sculpture crafts. To strengthen the identity of the Pakudui Traditional Village community as Garuda statue artists, they took the initiative to establish a tourist village in 2016 under the name "Garuda Village Pakudui Tourist Village."
Pakudui Traditional Village has a population of 122 households , divided into 2 banjars, consisting of one traditional banjar called Banjar Adat Pakudui and one administrative banjar called Banjar Dinas Pakudui. Currently, Banjar Adat Pakudui is led by Made Tileh, while Banjar Dinas Pakudui is led by I Wayan Puaka.
Village Empowerment Institution of Pakudui (Photo Source: Private Collection)
Both banjars implement the typical Bali system of adat (traditional) and dinas (administrative). Although both banjars are in the same geographical area, they have different rules, governance, and regulations. Despite the absence of a banjar hall, there is the Village Empowerment Institution of Pakudui Traditional Village and a community hall serving as a meeting place for village officials.
Every traditional village typically has a Pura Kahyangan Tiga, which plays a central role in the community's life, and Pakudui Traditional Village is no exception. This Garuda Tourist Village has a complete set of Pura Kahyangan Tiga, including Pura Desa and Pura Puseh combined, as well as Pura Dalem.
Desa and Puseh Temple (Photo Source: Private Collection)
Desa and Puseh Temple of Pakudui Traditional Village are located right next to the Village Empowerment Institution of Pakudui Traditional Village. Like most Tri Kahyangan Temples, Pura Desa and Puseh of Pakudui Traditional Village are used for the worship of Dewa Brahma and Dewa Wisnu. The temple festivals at Pura Desa and Puseh fall on Purnama Sasih Kapat, Purnama Sasih Kanista, and Purnama Sasih Kadasa. Pura Dalem of Pakudui Traditional Village is situated on the eastern border of the village and is used for the worship of Dewa Siwa. The temple festival at Pura Dalem occurs on Tilem Sasih Kanem.
Dalem Temple (Photo Source: Private Collection)
The community life in Pakudui Village revolves around its status as Garuda Tourist Village. Almost 90 percent of Pakudui's residents are artisans specializing in Garuda statue craftsmanship, and a significant portion of their income comes from this activity. The skill in making Garuda statues has been passed down through generations. The recognition of Pakudui Traditional Village as a center for Garuda statue craftsmanship began around 50 years ago.
Garuda Sculpture (Photo Source: Private Collection)
Initially, the craft of making Garuda statues was introduced to the surrounding areas and the outside world by the artist I Made Ada. I Made Ada's artistic abilities were known internationally, and he had exhibited his works abroad several times. To strengthen Pakudui Traditional Village as a center for Garuda statue craftsmanship in Bali, I Made Ada established a museum dedicated to Garuda statues, showcasing his own works and everything related to Garuda statues. This museum attracts tourists, especially art enthusiasts interested in wooden sculpture art.
I Made Ada Museum (Photo Source: Private Collection)
Pakudui Traditional Village not only offers the wisdom of Garuda statue craftsmanship but also presents breathtaking natural scenery. The village itself has a terraced rice field tourism area called Abian Desa Rice Terrace. This tourist area features well-maintained terraced rice fields, picturesque photo spots, swings, and a flying fox ride stretching between the two hills.
Abian Desa Rice Terrace (Photo Source: Private Collection)
By preserving the cultural heritage of its ancestors, Pakudui Traditional Village has become not only a traditional tourist village but also a community and a platform for future generations to immerse themselves in and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of Garuda statue art owned by Pakudui Traditional Village. Pakudui Traditional Village is a place where every aspect of daily life is closely intertwined with cultural heritage and the beauty of the majestic natural creation.
