During one of my tours in Bali, I got to witness a fascinating woodcarving session at the beautiful Kayun Restaurant. This restaurant is part of a traditional Balinese house, surrounded by stunning Balinese architecture, which made the experience feel very authentic.
The woodcarving lesson took place in a serene setting, right in the heart of this compound. Our teacher was an elderly Balinese man, possibly in his seventies. Despite his age, he showed amazing skill and precision in his craft. The restaurant staff mentioned that his works are displayed in galleries, highlighting his respect in the woodcarving community. When asked his name, he humbly called himself Nang Belog, which means "Mr. Stupid" in Balinese. This reflects his humble attitude, believing that even experts should always keep learning.
Nang Belog demonstrated the simplest form of Balinese woodcarving, making it easy for the tourists to follow and try themselves. He showed them exactly how to use the tools—a chisel and hammer—giving clear and simple instructions. They watched closely and tried to copy his careful movements. One man in the group was really impressed by Nang Belog's skill and felt inspired to give woodcarving a go. On the other hand, one woman found it a bit tricky to follow the carving patterns, even with Nang Belog's help.
The atmosphere of the lesson was enhanced by the restaurant's surroundings. We could see traditional Balinese buildings and comfortable seating areas, which made the whole experience peaceful.
Watching Nang Belog teach the tourists about woodcarving reminded us of Bali's rich cultural heritage. It wasn't just about learning a new skill; it was about gaining a deeper understanding of traditions passed down through generations.
Perhaps one day, the tourists will look back and see that their first attempts at woodcarving were the start of their own artistic journeys.
