Klungkung, Ancient Kingdoms

Kamasan Villagers Bless Tools on ”Tumpek Landep”

Kamasan is a tourist village that is rich in works of art. Prominent and remarkable classical wayang painting, silver, bronze and gold works make this village invariably attractive for tourists.

Since the era of the Klungkung Kingdom, the classical wayang painting of Kamasan style flourished rapidly. Likewise, for silver works that are commonly used as ritual means, the so-called dulang (offering base), bowl with wide rim and dipper, Balinese inhabitants will ook for them in Kamasan. Lately, brass from bullet shells was successfully made into garuda (mythical bird) sculpture and some other souvenirs that are always chased by tourists.
Many sorts of jewelry are made of gold, like necklaces, rings, bracelets and golden flowers. While, some others order pratima (sanctified effigy) to Kamasan as symbol of god and goddess. Other ritual paraphernalia are made at Kamasan as well, namely pis bolong or perforated coins. It is made of the mixture of five metals (gold, silver, iron, brass and bronze). This mixture is known as panca datu. Panca datu metals are also used as ingredients to make ‘weapons’ of gods like thunder-hammers, frankincense, sticks, swords, snake-snare, mace, trident, banners and lotus. Meanwhile, kris and pengentas knife (large and long machete used in Ngaben—cremation ceremony in Bali) are made of this panca datu, too.
Kamasan Village is some 2 km from Semarapura city or one-hour drive from Denpasar, 43 km in an eastward direction. Through the capacity of its inhabitants, that master several fields of art mentioned above, Kamasan is now becoming a center for home and foreign students study that want to learn about Balinese traditional arts.
Even though they have mastered modern technology, the inhabitants of Kamasan still perform diverse rituals that based on Hinduism. As a form of purificatory, honor and appreciation to their accomplishment of mastering technology, they celebrate Tumpek Landep once in six months. On Tumpek Landep day (6 August), they carry out festive rituals for many kinds of sharp weapon in order that these tools are always in good condition and remain to have magic power. This ritual is dedicated to Lord Shiva or Pasupati.
I Made Sukma, one of ten blacksmiths who makes a variety of tools like spears, kris, knife and weapons of gods is from Pande Mas hamlet, Kamasan Village regularly celebrate Tumpek Landep at his workshop. The ceremony is performed in the afternoon.
It is said that prior to the ritual, all products of metal handicraft that have been made are purified with holy water obtained from a high priest. Its offerings consist of sayut bang (made of assorted cakes, flowers and red andong or cordyline leaf) and pejati. All rituals are held at a sacred place and led by the temple priest. “Then, we pay homage all together, participated by some 15 devotees as manifestation of brotherhood and sense of belonging at this workplace,” said Sukma while adding that the worship service is also attended by the Village Chief of Kamasan.(BTN/033)