Developing workshop facilities to introduce the youth to Genta, a time-honored Balinese craft
MISSION
This project intends to preserve and revitalize the cultural heritage of crafting genta bells, a Balinese art form, through empowering a local artisan. The bellsmith of Bali, Jro Mangku works out of his home workshop in Klungkung Regency, Bali, meticulously crafting genta by hand – as one of the few Balinese craftsmen who remains committed to this time-intensive approach. Jro’s goal is to pass on his knowledge to the younger generations through teaching people in workshop formats. Quantum Temple aims to empower Jro’s mission to reach the local youth and to ensure this tradition prevails, supporting with the expansion and improvement of his workspace.
OBJECTIVES
PROJECT SUMMARY
Jro is from a lineage of Balinese craftsmen, from the Pande clan, who have crafted genta for generations. He has over 40 years’ experience as a bellsmith, and is impassioned about safeguarding this tradition and ensuring it endures long into the future. However, he works alone in his small workshop and is without a successor to pass his knowledge on to.
Jro handcrafts bells to request over a number of days, producing up to 25 a month at an average when demand is high. Genta are used in spiritual ceremonies to open and close rituals, and are said to invoke the spirits of ancestors as they chime and bless participants. These bronze bells carry great cultural significance, yet the craftsmanship is a dying art form.
In the hopes that this tradition remains intact and thriving for generations to come – despite the ease of automation and machinery – Jro aims to mobilize the younger generations. His vision is to invite and encourage the local youth to learn how to make genta. Quantum Temple aims to empower this effort through supporting Jro with workshop improvements, including developing the facilities and tools, so he can host the local youth. One aspect of the expansion would be building a forge. Additionally, Quantum Temple aims to support Jro’s efforts by opening up reseller opportunities.
Jro Mangku in his workshop, complete with an aging forge and a set of tools
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