Pakudui Village Artisans Forge Intricate Garuda Statues in Iconic Balinese Style
The Garuda statue ranks among the signature crafts of Pakudui village in Tegalalang sub-district, Gianyar Regency, Bali. This figure represents Garuda Wisnu Kencana, the golden eagle that serves as Lord Vishnu’s mount in Hinduism. Local artisans shape each piece using fine carving techniques deeply rooted in Balinese tradition.
Garuda appears in Hindu and Buddhist mythology as a vast bird with a white face, golden plumage, red wings and sharp talons. He is the offspring of sage Kasyapa and Winata, one of Kasyapa’s twelve spouses. His half-brother Naga was born to Kasyapa and his other wife, Kadru.
A famous legend tells how Garuda set out to free his mother from Naga’s grasp by demanding Tirta Amerta, the sacred water of immortality. He managed to seize the elixir from its guardians, including Lord Indra. Before Garuda could drink, Lord Vishnu arrived and asked for the potion’s return in exchange for granting Garuda the honor of becoming his mount. Garuda agreed, securing his place beside the deity.
Today, Garuda statues can be found across Indonesia, especially in Bali, which remains the nation’s center of Hindu heritage. Sculptors work in materials ranging from wood and stone to copper, brass and steel, each medium offering its own qualities and challenges.
Pakudui village stands out as one of the main centers for Garuda carving. Almost ninety percent of its residents craft these statues, maintaining skills passed down through generations and making the village a renowned hub for this art form.
Artisans begin by choosing premium woods such as sandalwood, mahogany or teak for their hardness and fine grain. Finished works vary in scale from small tabletop models to imposing pieces that can reach up to 2.5 meters in height.
Each sculpture follows precise proportions inspired by ancient texts, with a curved beak, pronounced eyes, layered feathers, outstretched wings, strong legs and a sweeping tail. These details combine to give the figure a sense of life and movement.
Some collectors leave their statues in natural wood tones; others order custom paint finishes. Popular hues include gold, white, red and black, often topped by a layer of clear lacquer to protect against moisture in Bali’s tropical climate.
The local Garuda Museum, established by artist I Made Ada, chronicles this heritage. Over the past fifty years, I Made Ada’s work gained international attention and in 1996 he received a Garuda Wisnu patent from the World Intellectual Property Organization. Exhibits include early carvings, tools, sketches and materials used in the sculpture process.
Pakudui carvers offer styles ranging from classic to modern and contemporary interpretations. Each design can be customized for ceremonial rites, home décor or keepsakes that allow visitors to bring a piece of Balinese heritage home.
Carving provides a primary source of income for many households in Pakudui. Statues are sold directly from village galleries to both local and overseas buyers, supporting families and preserving a way of life. Visitors often pause to watch the craftsmen at work before making their selections.
Creating a Garuda statue involves multiple stages that demand patience and attention. Craftsmen begin by selecting a solid block of teak, jackfruit, rosewood or kenanga, chosen for durability and attractive grain. Rough cuts remove bark and surface imperfections, leaving a core ready for detailed work.
Next, the shape of the Garuda emerges as artists use saws, chisels, mallets and sandpaper to carve according to templates or preliminary sketches. Every feather, curve and facial feature receives careful attention to maintain symmetry and lifelike form.
Should a client request painted details, artisans apply natural dyes or modern pigments in bright red, yellow, green, blue or metallic gold. When left unpainted, the wood’s tone stands on its own, highlighted by fine sanding and polishing.
The final stage joins separate elements—wings, tail and ornamental pieces—smoothly to the main body. Craftsmen sand all joints, then etch decorative lines or motifs with small chisels. A final coating of clear sealant may be added to guard against pests and weathering.
Completed statues are displayed in Pakudui’s art spaces and often travel to galleries in regional cities such as Ubud, Denpasar and Jakarta. Collectors prize these works for their combination of detailed craftsmanship, cultural resonance and spiritual significance.
Many Balinese temples and homes use Garuda figures as protective symbols near gates or doorways. Their presence signals a belief in guardianship and the bird’s legendary role as a protector of the faithful.
Craftsmen maintain their own chisels and mallets, sharpening them regularly to keep each blade crisp. Some artisans heat-temper metal tools, a specialized step that extends the edge’s durability for long carving sessions.
Young artisans begin training as children, observing elders and handling simple cuts before tackling complex motifs. This mentorship strengthens community ties and ensures carving traditions continue through future generations.
Pakudui hosts an annual festival celebrating Garuda carving and Hindu culture. The event features live demonstrations, exhibitions and lectures that attract scholars, collectors and tourists, amplifying the village’s reputation beyond local markets.
Beyond the village, periodic workshops bring Pakudui techniques to neighboring communities. These sessions introduce carving basics and promote cultural exchange, inspiring new carvers and preserving traditional methods.
Garuda holds a special place in Indonesia’s national emblem, symbolizing strength and freedom. This modern role adds to the bird’s significance, connecting ancient myth with present-day identity.
The craft of carving Garuda statues remains an enduring part of Pakudui’s identity. Each sculpture carries layers of meaning drawn from sacred texts and local lore, reflecting the artisans’ deep respect for their heritage and their land.
