Kayu Skin Painting, Typical Cultural Art Of Kampung Asei Besar

JAKARTA - Kampung Asei Besar, located in the East Sentani District, is known as a center that produces wood skin paintings that have high artistic and cultural values.

Head of Culture, Fred Modouw, in Sentani, said that this painting art has been passed down from generation to generation by local people and is an important part of the cultural identity of indigenous tribes in this area.

"The painting of bark from Kampung Asei Besar has its own uniqueness, both from the motifs and engineering of its manufacture, which distinguishes it from other paintings," he said, as quoted by ANTARA.

According to Fred, this painting of bark or in Sentani is called "Khombouw", usually made using typical wood skins traditionally processed, and the manufacturing process involves several stages, ranging from taking wood skins, drying, coloring to giving motifs.

"Each motive produced has a philosophical meaning that is closely related to the lives of the local community, as well as a cultural heritage and has high economic value," he said.

He explained that many tourists and collectors from within and outside the country are interested in buying this artwork, as souvenirs as well as private collections.

"The economic potential of this wood painting is very large, so it needs to continue to be developed and promoted," he said again.

He added that the government continues to support local artists in Kampung Asei Besar in order to maintain and develop this painting of wood skin.

"One of the efforts made is to introduce the art of wood skin paintings to a wider market, through various art and cultural exhibitions," said Fred.