Words on a Leaf (Lontar Writing)

Before paper, Balinese wisdom was written on lontar, dried palm leaves carefully inscribed by hand and preserved for generations. In this workshop, you’ll begin with a guided walk through Ubud Art Ground, gathering words, phrases, and feelings from the works around you. Then, settle in to learn the basics of the craft: etching into the leaf with a fine blade and bringing your words to life with natural soot. Write an inspirational quote, a line that moves you, or something you’d like to remember. If you’d like, ask our Kultara guide to help you write it in aksara Bali, the traditional Balinese script. Your finished leaf becomes a bookmark to take home, a small piece of Bali to keep between the pages of your favorite book.

Facilitator: Kultara