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EtnoJourney
Crafts & Textiles

Mask Carving Class in Mas

Celuk & Mas, Bali

Photo: Jeffri Jaffar from Malaysia · CC BY 2.0

Duration
1 day
Group size
Max. 6 people
Category
Crafts & Textiles
Difficulty
Easy
Suitable for almost everyone; plenty of stops and light walking.
Language
Indonesian, English

About this journey

A day learning the basics of wooden mask carving in a carving family's studio in Mas.

Balinese masks are more than decoration: many are made for performances and ceremonies. In a family studio in Mas you learn about woods, chisels and the stages of shaping a mask's face, then carve a small mask yourself. Intricate masks can take weeks, so you leave with a rough form to take home and finish. In the afternoon we look at painted masks and talk about their role in performance.

Hosted by the local community in Celuk & Mas

What you'll experience

  • Learn in a carving family's studio
  • Get to know woods and chisels
  • Carve your own small mask
  • Masks in Balinese performance

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    A day in the mask studio

    09:00 introduction to woods and tools, carving practice until 15:30 with a lunch break, then a look at finished masks.

What's included

  • Wood and carving tools
  • Artisan instructor
  • Lunch
  • Bottled water and snacks

Not included

  • Transport from your hotel to the meeting point
  • Crafts you buy in the village
  • Tips for guides and hosts (optional)
  • Travel insurance

Before you go

Practical notes so your trip is comfortable and your hosts feel respected.

What to bring

  • Clothes you don't mind getting sawdust on
  • Closed shoes for the workshop
  • Reading glasses if you use them for close work

Local etiquette

  • Masks used in ceremonies are treated as sacred: don't wear or handle them without permission.
  • Ask before touching textiles, looms or work in progress.
  • Follow safety instructions when using chisels.

Getting there

About 45 minutes to 1 hour by road from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, on the way to Ubud.

Meeting point

Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets, Mas, Ubud, Gianyar

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FromIDR 750,000 / person

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