Art at Alila

<h2>TJAPS</h2>

<p>Javanese Handmade Stamps with Batik Patterns</p>

<p>Originally from Java, Tjaps (pronounced as chops) are beautiful handmade copper stamps that are precisely cut, shaped and soldered into classic hand-drawn batik patterns and shapes. Each collection of Tjaps is creatively arranged into consecutive stamps, then dipped into hot wax and carefully stamped onto fabric.</p>

<p>Tjaps are used in the creation of Batik Tambal (patchwork batik), a vintage Indonesian treasure that is individually handcrafted and unique, and has evolved over time to reflect contemporary trends.</p>

<h2>JUKUNG BANTEN</h2>

<p>Borneo Traditional Transportation</p>

<p>The Jukung is a major mode of transport for the people of Borneo, Kalimantan, who use it to cross Sarawak’s beautiful Batang Rejang river, dubbed the ‘Amazon of Borneo’.</p>

<p>Known as the ‘flying coffin’ boat, the Jukung is supported by strong long wooden blocks and side wings that stabilise the boat when cruising. Besides being an essential means of crossing the river, the Jukung is also crucial to the livelihoods of the local communities.</p>

<h2>BASKOM CUKLI</h2>

<p>An Indigenous Craft of Lombok</p>

<p>Baskom Cukli is an indigenous craft of Lombok, an island in the West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia.<br></p>

<p>Made from high quality wood, this colourful wooden bowl is decorated with vibrant tribal patterns, typically geometric or floral patterns. Baskom Cukli are made in various sizes and are multifunctional, often used for eating or for decorative purposes.<br></p>

<h2>CONGKLAK</h2>

<p>One of the Oldest Known Board Games from Indonesia</p>

<p>The Warung’s tantalising presentation of condiments is inspired by the Congklak, one of the oldest known board games in Indonesia. It is thought to have arrived in Indonesia from Africa during the days of the spice trade. Made of wood, the board is inspired by the cowrie shell, which Congklak is named after, and has nine holes carved on each player’s side.<br></p>

<p>Board designs vary from simple, unadorned wood, to the more elaborate boat-shaped designs that are common in Central Java, intricately carved and painted in red and gold to resemble Javanese dragons. Congklak is traditionally played using seashells equally distributed between the two players.<br></p>

<h2>KENDI</h2>

<p>Indonesian Pure Ground Handmade Clay from Solo</p>

<p>The Kendi displayed at Alila Villas Uluwatu are handmade from pure ground Indonesian clay and come from the royal city of Solo in Central Java. In olden days, the Kendi was commonly used as a water jug.<br></p>

<p>It was historically known as the ‘Indonesian teapot’ due to its bulbous pumpkin shape. Traditionally, Kendi are believed to keep the water inside cold and fresh, to heal various illnesses and sickness.</p>

<h2>TEMPAYAN</h2>

<p>Vase Originating from Indonesia’s Dayak tribe</p>

<p>Tempayan, also known locally as Tanjau or Balanga, is a vase originating from Indonesia’s Dayak tribe, made from layers of ground clay, a pinch of gold, and various kinds of diamonds. Beautiful motifs and patterns are drawn around the vase, each with a different purpose or meaning.<br></p>

<p>Historically, Tempayan were used as a dowry by the people of West Kalimantan, and were commonly used to hold offerings during spiritual rituals and ancestor worship. Over time, Tempayan found many other uses: as storage for food, as a hiding place for treasures buried in the ground, and as a container for messages and unwanted items floated out to sea. Tempayan remains a valuable item of heritage passed down as a family treasure and a symbol of wealth.</p>

<h2>TONGKONAN</h2>

<p>Torajan Traditional House</p>

<p>Made of rare Uru wood, Tongkonan is the traditional ancestral house of the Toraja tribe of South Sulawesi. The house is ornamented with wood panels intricately carved and painted with unique patterns and motifs. Each singular wood block is a work of traditional art, featuring figures of plants and animals as well as cultural history. Besides a decorative element, the panels are also believed to provide protection<br></p>

<p>Each singular wood block is a work of traditional art, featuring figures of plants and animals as well as cultural history. Besides a decorative element, the panels are also believed to provide protection and symbolise different meanings, such as fertility, power, and prosperity.<br></p>

<h2>SUMBA KADU UMA</h2>

<p>Wooden Statues</p>

<p>Placed on the roof of a traditional Sumbanese house, Sumba Kadu Uma comprises a pair of wooden statues, a male and a female.</p>

<p>These hand-carved human-like figures are not only an artistic house ornament, but are also believed to protect the house and its residents from any danger.</p>

<h2>CANOE</h2>

<p>Traditional Paddle from Papua</p>

<p>Since ancient times, this long traditional canoe made from sago trees has remained essential to the way of life for the Asmat tribe of Papua. Everyday life for the Asmat people is dependent on their canoe, for transportation, expeditions, and for their livelihoods, enabling them to support their families financially.<br></p>

<p>The traditional method of paddling the canoe is unique, with all the paddlers standing upright and skilfully maintaining their balance as they pull their blades through the water.<br></p>

<h2>LAMIN</h2>

<p>Dayak Traditional House</p>

<p>Originating in the Berau district of Indonesia’s East Kalimantan province, the traditional Lamin houses of the legendary Dayak tribe provide the inspiration for this authentic ornament made of solid durable hardwood. The beautiful ethnic carvings are not only a distinctive architectural feature of the Lamin house, but are also believed to protect the house against powerful black magic.</p>

<p>The vivid colours of the carved ornaments also have hidden meanings: bold and vibrant red expresses bravery, bright shining yellow symbolises dignity, while the monochrome contrast of black and white portrays shade and purity.</p>