Bali Hilt ID

A. G. Maisey · 4th January 2009, 07:22 AM

Yes Kai Wee, the freedom of expression of Balinese craftsmen has been recorded from the earliest contact with Bali by outside observers. However, that statue is probably much, much younger than one might think. They carve from very soft stone in Bali, and this, combined with the tropical climate means most stone work is replaced every generation or so. There is no ethic of preservation of images or puris or other art or architectural works. The honour is in the creation, not in the preservation, so if something degrades and needs to be replaced, it simply provides the opportunity to gain more honour.

4th January 2009, 07:22 AM	#8
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,019	Yes Kai Wee, the freedom of expression of Balinese craftsmen has been recorded from the earliest contact with Bali by outside observers. However, that statue is probably much, much younger than one might think. They carve from very soft stone in Bali, and this, combined with the tropical climate means most stone work is replaced every generation or so. There is no ethic of preservation of images or puris or other art or architectural works. The honour is in the creation, not in the preservation, so if something degrades and needs to be replaced, it simply provides the opportunity to gain more honour.