The Soul of South Kalimantan: A Comprehensive Study of Its Traditional Arts
South Kalimantan is a province where the whispers of the past meet the craftsmanship of the present. Its artistic landscape is a rich tapestry, woven from the diverse cultures of the Banjar and Dayak people. From the intricate patterns of a hand-woven mat to the towering silhouette of a traditional house, the arts here are categorized into two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms, each carrying a story of spiritual devotion and ancestral pride.
The intricate beauty of South Kalimantan's weaving crafts.
Mastering Two-Dimensional Forms: Weaving, Painting, and Calligraphy
The two-dimensional arts of South Kalimantan are deeply rooted in the natural resources of the land. Artisans utilize rattan, bamboo, and purun (a type of aquatic grass) to create functional masterpieces.
The Art of Weaving and Modern 'Optical Art'
Weaving has flourished in this region for centuries. Rattan is transformed into elegant handbags, hats, and baskets. The handbags, in particular, are celebrated for their artistic ornaments that blend traditional motifs with modern sensibilities. Bamboo weaving is often found in the form of bakul (baskets), featuring geometric spirals inherited from ancient ancestors.
Meanwhile, purun is the primary material for floor mats. These mats range from wide surfaces for sitting to smaller, highly intricate mats for prayer. Interestingly, some contemporary weaving patterns have been described by critics as "optical art" due to their complex textures—even though the weavers themselves create them purely from inherited intuition rather than modern art theory.
Rare Glass Paintings and Sacred Calligraphy
Glass painting is a rare and precious heritage in South Kalimantan. Most existing pieces date back over fifty years, typically depicting religious themes such as the Buroq, the story of Adam and Eve, or grand mosques. Alongside this, Islamic Calligraphy plays a vital role. Written in various Arabic styles, it is often found above doors, on pulpits in mosques, or hanging in respected places within a home as a source of protection and blessing.
The Craft of Carving: Wood and Brass
Carving is another pillar of South Kalimantan’s identity. Wood carving is intricately applied to furniture, traditional boat parts, and the pulpits of mosques. The motifs used are diverse, ranging from the "Tree of Life" to arabesque and floral patterns.
Brass engraving, though increasingly rare, is a testament to the region's historical wealth from trade. Items such as brass trays, metal bowls for betel chewing, kettles, and miniature cannons showcase a high level of craftsmanship that was once a staple of Banjar households.
Three-Dimensional Arts: Architecture and Mystical Statues
In the realm of three-dimensional art, the architecture of South Kalimantan stands as a monument to its history. Traditional houses like the High-roof houses, Palimasan, and Gajah Baligu are marvels of wooden construction, though new ones are rarely built today.
Traditional Mosques and Architectural Evolution
Traditional mosques in the region are known for their overlapping double roofs with domes on top. Examples like the Syu’ada Mosque at Wasah and the Sungai Batang Mosque maintain this classic look, though many others have been modified with curved-roof types influenced by North African or Byzantine architecture.
A Dayak statue, carved from ironwood, serving as a spiritual protector.
The Mystique of Dayak Statues
A striking contrast exists between the Banjar and Dayak cultures. While the Banjar, as devout Muslims, do not create statues, the Dayak people—many of whom follow the Kaharingan faith—produce powerful wooden statues. Carved from Ulin wood (Ironwood), these statues are designed to withstand the harsh tropical elements.
Their dark, weathered appearance supports their magical purpose. Often erected outside villages as protectors or near graveyards as guards, these statues are strictly sacred; they are rarely made for profane or purely decorative purposes, maintaining their role as spiritual sentinels of the forest.
The traditional arts of South Kalimantan are a bridge to an era of craftsmanship that prioritized meaning over mass production. Whether it is the rhythmic pattern of a prayer mat or the silent watch of an ironwood statue, these arts continue to define the cultural resilience of Borneo.
Read: South Kalimantan Cultural Arts: Part 2
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