Transformation of Mask Art in Singapadu, Gianyar, Bali: From Sacred Rituals to Tourism Commodities (2011-2021)

Abstract

This research examines the transformation of mask art in Singapadu Village, Gianyar, Bali, from a sacred ritual function into a tourism commodity during the period 2011–2021. The research focuses on the dynamics of change in the function, form, and meaning of mask art, as well as the socio-economic implications for local artisans. Employing a qualitative descriptive method with a historical approach, the research draws on literature review, field observations, and in-depth interviews with artisans, cultural practitioners, and traditional leaders. Data were analyzed through the theoretical frameworks of cultural commodification and Mircea Eliade’s concept of the sacred and the profane. The findings reveal that the transformation of Singapadu mask art constitutes a complex and dialectical process. Initially, mask art held a deeply religious significance, closely intertwined with yadnya rituals and the community’s spiritual expression. However, with the expansion of Bali’s tourism industry and the implementation of government policies promoting tourism villages and the creative economy, mask art has gradually shifted its value orientation toward an economic commodity. This transformation is evident in the production, marketing, and performance aspects, which have been increasingly adapted to the preferences of the tourist market. Although the process of commodification has brought positive economic benefits to the community, it simultaneously entails the risk of eroding the art’s sacred values. Accordingly, this research underscores the importance of sustaining a balance between the preservation of spiritual values and the advancement of creative economic initiatives, ensuring that Singapadu mask art endures as a living and sustainable cultural heritage amid the currents of globalization.