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<\/a><\/p>\nThere were numerous wood carving shops which created\u00a0incredible pieces. After browsing through several, we found a master mask-maker whose work was amazing.<\/p>\n
We found\u00a0the shop of a man who painted beautiful designs on real ostrich\u00a0eggs. He also offered less fragile versions made of carved wood. His children watched as he worked and his mother sold the eggs.<\/p>\n Later we visited several silver jewelry shops, all with many\u00a0stunning pieces. We watched a silversmith demonstrate his art in the\u00a0workshop. \u00a0Notice his foot pedal operating the flame of his torch in the first photo.<\/p>\n Batik shops were numerous and are always interesting to watch the hot-wax procedure.<\/p>\n Balinese markets are bright noisy colorful bazaars which were everywhere selling everything imaginable for tourists and local people.<\/p>\n We had hired a driver and his car for half the day – he was excellent: spoke good English, was patient with us, and was very accommodating. On the way back to the hotel, we saw a smoky area and the driver explained that a ‘mass cremation ceremony’ was underway. After yesterday’s experiences, we all quietly peered out of the window.<\/p>\n In the evening, we were fortunate to be able to visit\u00a0the compound – home and theater – of a master shadow-puppet maker. Called wayang kulit, <\/em>the tradition began\u00a0a thousand years ago. UNESCO designated the art as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity <\/em>and\u00a0requires its preservation for future generations.<\/i>\u00a0I had been introduced to Indonesian shadow-puppets at the NY Museum of Natural History during the 1970’s when my sons were young. What a treat to see a real demonstration!<\/p>\n This was also a unique experience because we were finally able to enter one of the Balinese compounds that I had been observing from the bus\u00a0since we arrived, and I was very curious about what was inside. \u00a0The compound contained everything a multi-generational family needed for existence: work space, living space, and places to pray and give offerings to the deities and pay homage to ancestors.<\/p>\n The fifth-generation\u00a0puppet master’s eyes twinkled as he explained how his puppets were made and the\u00a0stories of the Hindu\u00a0epics\u00a0he performed. He graciously answered our questions about his home and family.<\/p>\n Today, the Master’s sons assist to make the shadow puppets out of carefully chiseled leather. We saw one son demonstrating the process, and another son painted bright-colored details, while several grandchildren quietly watched.<\/p>\n The short performance was magical! The puppet master provided exciting percussion sounds with his foot and dramatically changed his voice with each character while a musician played gamelan<\/em> music. Great fun!!<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n