Indonesia is a country rich in natural beauty, art and culture, and also has a wealth of valuable traditional handicraft heritage. Therefore, it is not surprising that there are many traditional handicrafts produced in each region according to their respective cultures.
Traditional Indonesian handicrafts are a reflection of the nation’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Various manufacturing methods and techniques have been developed and passed down from generation to generation to create handicraft products that are not only functional but also have aesthetic value.
Apart from being made as functional art items, it is not uncommon for the motifs and designs applied in crafts to contain certain philosophical and symbolic meanings. Where this can represent the beliefs and history of the local community.
Apart from all that, of course traditional handicrafts also contribute to improving the local economy. There are even several typical Indonesian handicrafts that have gone global and are in great demand by international markets.
5 Charming Traditional Indonesian Handicrafts
Yes, as mentioned previously, traditional Indonesian crafts do have a special place in the hearts of many devotees thanks to their uniqueness and beauty. Among the many traditional Indonesian crafts, here are some that are still the most popular and in demand today.
1. Puppet Crafts
Wayang is a traditional Indonesian craft that has existed since the 1st century. Where the wayang stories mostly tell events in Hindu books such as the Mahabarata story. Wayang is also often used as a means to spread religion on the island of Java.
This typical Yogyakarta craft is one of the traditional handicrafts that is popular internationally. The types of wayang are also very diverse, from wayang kulit, golek, klitik, to beber. But of course the most popular and most iconic is the type of wayang kulit.
Many of them deliberately buy and collect shadow puppets as an effort to preserve local culture and wisdom. However, there are quite a few who make puppets living room decoration to create an ethnic impression in the room.
2. Pottery
Who doesn’t know this traditional handicraft? Pottery is a handicraft made from clay which is shaped according to your wishes and then fired. The forms of this pottery are quite diverse, from household utensils to pottery for residential decoration.
Every region in Indonesia has a variety of pottery crafts with their own uniqueness. For example, Yogyakarta is known for its pottery for household utensils. Meanwhile, it is different from Papua, where the pottery has a rough texture and is decorated with beautiful motifs as room decoration.
However, whatever the type, pottery remains a traditional Indonesian craft which still exists today and continues to develop following changing times. So we can create pottery that is functional and has high selling value.
3. Woven Crafts
Wicker weaving from rattan and bamboo is also no less popular as one of Indonesia’s traditional crafts. Various unique woven products can be easily found in Indonesian and even foreign markets. The large number of enthusiasts for woven craft products is certainly not without reason.
Because woven products not only have a practical function, but also an aesthetic function. Woven crafts not only create functional items, but can also be a decoration with artistic value. Woven products also have a unique impression and natural appearance.
4. Batik Cloth
This craft is certainly very popular and almost everyone has it, especially if it’s not batik. Batik is a traditional Indonesian art of dyeing cloth that uses liquid wax techniques to obtain beautiful and charming motifs. Initially, batik cloth was only used by certain groups.
But now, everyone can use it according to the motif they like. Indonesian batik as a cultural heritage has various motifs, because each region has motifs with their own characteristics and uniqueness.
With motifs that represent Indonesian culture and natural beauty, batik fabric Indonesia has gone global and is even used by many world celebrities for important events.
5. Woven Fabric
This handmade cloth is a traditional Indonesian craft which is no less popular than batik cloth. Woven fabrics are popular because their motifs are unique and able to represent the culture of the local area. Where all woven fabrics have motifs, colors and characteristics that are different from each other.
Apart from being used as the main material for making clothes, quite a few people use woven cloth as body decoration. Like slung over the shoulder, head, and many more. This woven fabric does more than just give an aesthetic impression when worn.
However, generally it is also widely used as a complement to regional traditional events, religious ceremonies, and so on. With this fact, it is not surprising that many people around the world love this fabric. Because apart from being beautiful, it is full of philosophy and full of meaning.
Now, those are some traditional Indonesian handicrafts. With its beautiful, charming and amazing appearance, it is much sought after by almost all people in Indonesia and even abroad. Very proud, right? Do you have one of these?
Apart from traditional handicrafts, Indonesia is also rich in modern or contemporary handicrafts which are no less beautiful. Where you can get it easily just at Harmoni Kreasi. We are a handicraft manufacturer that provides a variety of interesting products for decorating your home!