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Creating against the tide: Indonesia's ethnic artists dare to push the bounds
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Ethnic representation: Jesral Tambun’s gorga carving art explores symbols and stories drawn from Batak mythology, such as in this woodcarving that resembles a mask. (Courtesy of Jesral Tambun) (Courtesy of Jesral Tambun/Courtesy of Jesral Tambun)
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n a country with strong religious underpinnings, Indonesian ethnic artists face unique challenges in pursuing their craft and preserving their cultures.
Jesral Tambun, 36, could not do much when the woodcarving he made for a homestay was rejected. His creation featured gorga: decorative motifs derived from Batak mythology. But his client did not seem to agree with the underlying philosophy of his carving art.
“When it was done, the [carving] I made was deleted and replaced” with a gorga design taken from the internet, the panggorga (gorga artist) from Toba regency, North Sumatra, told The Jakarta Post.
Jesral’s gorga carving depicted the Batak origin myth of human beings: Ompu Mulajadi Nabolon, the supreme deity, orders the hen Manuk Kulambu Jati to incubate three eggs, from which three sons hatch.
When they grow into adulthood, none of her sons has a partner, so Manuk Kulambu Jati asks Ompu Mulajadi Nabolon through the intermediary Leang-leang Mandi to provide wives for her three sons. Ompu Mulajadi Nabolon grants her wish by giving three bamboo stalks, from which three women are born.
However, the homestay owner did not approve of the story Jesral presented in his carving. “The gorga design I made was not in accordance with his religious beliefs,” said Jesral.
