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Crafts
Indonesians are excellent craftsmen who master many different types of crafts. The Javanese batik fabrics have become world famous. There is a specific technique of dyeing ikat (lit. “knot”) fabric on Bali and other islands. Palembang fabrics, especially brocade, are renowned throughout the country. Balinese wood sculpture is the pride of many world museums as well as Balinese bright painting. Artistic metal working, for example, dagger (kris) making, is characterized by high level of craftsmanship. Javanese jewelers compete with jewelers from other islands. Almost each coastal village has its own carpenters, including shipbuilders who make prau boats. The Toraja on Sulawesi make delicate fabrics from tree bark. Only on the Moluccas one can find refined trifles which look like baskets or vessel models made from dried flowers of the allspice. Ambon women are skillful embroiderers.
Each village has its market day. Chains of men and women come from surrounding villages before sunrise and carry their goods on their heads (a common way of goods’ transportation). Goods are spread out on the ground and with pleasure argue about the price for a long while – this is part of the etiquette.
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