ANCIENT EAST JAVANESE ART

There are many differences between the candis of Central Java and those of East Java. In Central Javanese art, mastery is shown in the handling and modifying of Hindu traditions and styles. But characteristic Indonesian elements are much more dominant and obvious in East Javanese ruins. The nationalistic East Javanese Majapahit Kingdom, which lasted the lifetime of one man, Gadjah Mada, was the only ancient indigenous empire which controlled nearly all of Indonesia including Irian Jaya. When it arose in the 14th Century, there was a sudden emergence and Javanization of styles, a return to a flatter, less 3-dimensional, highly stylized method of carving to the point where the figures resemble shadow puppets used in wayang shows today. Expressions are more subtle and human than anywhere else in ancient Indonesian art. The figures' bodies, sculpted delicately with scant clothing and wayang-puppet caps, are seen from the front awhile the head and feet are turned sideways. Thus the name 'wayang-style', which is used often to describe ancient East Javanese basreliefs. Mahy times there re magical or supernatural settings. Central Javanese basreliefs are hollowed out deeper, whereas in East Java they are much shallower. The East Java architectural style was likewise more slender. Temples have narrower bases, are less symmetrical, and are comparatively smaller than the large complexes of Central Java. East Javanese temple art was less religious, and syncretism actually went so far as to show both Buddhist and Hindu symbols on the same building. At candis Kedaton, Panataran, and Surawana, you can best see the 'wayang-style'; and on large-scale candis Jago, Singosari and the smaller Kidal you can see best the active and unusual blending of Buddhism and Hinduism. Humans and animal statues were also modeled more freely and show more movement in East Java. The fierce guardian images in the a/un2 west of Singosari are done in a typical naturalistic East Javanese style, while the Central Javanese guardians at Prambanan and at Kalasan are much more peaceful in appearance.

Nusa Lembongan is situated 12 miles south east of Bali. It is one hour traveling time by boat from Benoa Harbour. This pear shaped island is around 4km long and 2km wide. It is surrounded by a beautiful fringing reef, which hosts a myriad of marine life, The waters are renowned for their abundance of life and great surf breaks. The reef has been declared a marine park by the Indonesian authorities. Not only does the reef support its own Eco-system, but it supports most of the villagers on the island as well. The local people farm seaweed. This seaweed is cultivated, harvested then exported all over the world for use in cosmetics, food stabilizers and medicines. Other sources of income include traditional wooden boat building, farming peanuts, sweet potato, and fishing.Village life is very slow and enchanting. Very few cars and motorbikes are seen on the roads. The people are steeped in tradition, and one could imagine Bali being like this island, thirty years ago.Although the island is small there are many things to do. Fishing, diving, surfing, mangrove exploring, discovering natural fresh water springs, underground cave house exploring, cycling around the island. A visit to the bat caves on a nearby island, or a picnic at dream beach. Try catching mud cabs in the mangrove area at the back of the island. There is something for every one at Nusa Lembongan.