In Papua, there is a centre for producing bark paintings that hold high artistic and cultural value. Its location is in Asei Besar village, in the East Sentani District.
The Head of the Cultural Division of the Culture and Tourism Office of Jayapura Regency, Papua Province, Fred Modouw, said that this painting art has been passed down through generations by the local community. Becoming an important part of the cultural identity of the tribes in this area.
“The bark paintings from Asei Besar village have their own uniqueness, both in terms of motifs and techniques, which distinguish them from other forms of painting,” he said, as reported by Antara on Monday (2/3).
According to him, the bark painting, or in the Sentani language called “Khombouw,” is usually made using a special type of bark that is processed traditionally. The process of making it involves several stages, starting from harvesting the bark, drying, dyeing, to adding the motifs.
“Each motif produced has a philosophical meaning closely related to the local community’s life, also serving as a cultural heritage and having high economic value,” he said.
He explained that many tourists and art collectors from both domestic and international locations are interested in purchasing this artwork, both as souvenirs and for their personal collections.
“The economic potential of this bark painting art is very large, so it needs to be continuously developed and promoted,” he said again.
He added that the government continues to support local artists in Asei Besar, so they can preserve and develop this bark painting art.
“One of the efforts being made is to introduce bark painting art to a wider market through various art and cultural exhibitions,” said Fred.
https://validnews.id/kultura/kampung-asei-besar-sentra-lukisan-kulit-kayu-di-papua
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