Few intelligent scientists ever profess that art is actually an imitation of whatever we have in mind. Fond memories of lovers, sentimental sceneries, or abstract inner-sense, each may constitute different artistic work, incorporating either personal or universal aesthetic quality nevertheless. In this very perspective of art, Mas Village in Bali has become a genuine example on how reflections of serene countryside life inspire earnest wood-crafters to captivate them in beautiful statuettes.

The main theme that focuses on humanism and naturalism has resulted simple form of human-like miniatures, such as a lonely elder farmer directing his two hardworking buffalos, two Topeng dancers posing in beautiful ensemble, and many others. These, however, are not merely endearing handicrafts. They are representations over a long-preserved skill that had transformed the agrarian society into a bohemian-crafter community, who up to now inhales and exhales life in the name of beauty – despite of commercialism appears to take its toll almost everywhere in Bali. And the peak of all this occurred as Ida Bagus Nyana, a revered maestro in woodcraft, received his recognition in 1974 as an outstanding pioneer among the nation's master-sculptors. His carvings have crystallized Balinese's potent humbleness unmistakably on most expressions the wooden figures put on, intact with painstaking rendition of sympathetic look.

As time goes by, some things stay exactly the same. Mas Village still welcomes every tourist amiably in gallery corners. Youngsters volunteer in woodcraft since the age of twelve with much aspiring zeal as the elders who have devoted in chiseling imagination into reality most of their lifetime. A number of galleries continuously accept traditional products like mythical masks for Topeng Dance, although most have expanded the order and revolutionized the wooden statuette in terms of material – utilizing more than seasoned block of Timber or selected ebony from Sumatra.

International demands have come to develop these hidden talents into great artists of their time. Both teakwood and sandalwood are shaped, smoothened, and polished into dazzling human figures that emblazon melancholic charm to easy eyes. Even jackfruit succumbs to be an experimental material for exported products.

Distinguished Balinese work, as a matter of fact, has undoubtedly perched on a comfortable spot along with exotic locale items around the world. Exuding meticulous deftness, Mas crafters steadfastly equip every creation provoking countenance. Whether it is simply a fisherman carrying a net full of fish or a fruit merchant loitering in a crowded market, there is an undeniable signature revealing a unique taste of congenial Bali – honest and solemn - subtly exposed through careful observation. You can start to unfurl the authentic work of art by coming to the must-visit Nyana Tilem Gallery. Precious carvings ranging from human representations, wildlife imitations to abstract shapes occupy the gorgeous quarters.

To arrive at the gallery, you can find Mas Village quietly dwelling in Gianyar regency, between Denpasar and Ubud. Remaining reclusive enough from the town's hustle-and-bustle, yet the location is just a stone's throw away off Bali's central hub (Denpasar). This way, taking a priceless souvenir back home is totally possible in a less privacy cost.