Crafting a Javanese Bow

A Workshop in Making the Gendewa

Wishlist
$65.00 per guest
1 - 6 guests 5 hours 10:00 11:00
+2
12:00 13:00
Hosted by Pak Agus

Highlights

  • Being guided by a master craftsman as you go through the process of traditional bow making
  • Hands on experience for the final crucial parts of the Gendewa making process
  • Get an in-depth understanding of Jemparingan (archery) from passionate hobbyists
  • Contribute to the preservation of this rare heritage by engaging the community of hobbyist that help to keep the craft alive
  • Learn how to shoot arrows from your bow once you complete the process of making your bow

Inclusive of:

  • All tools, equipment and materials required for the workshop
  • Light refreshments will be provided
  • English speaking facilitator
  • Your handmade traditional bow to take home

Not Inclusive of:

  • Arrows
  • Pick-up and drop-off service (can be included at an additional cost)
  • Meals and drinks
$US 65.00 per guest
Instant confirmation
1 - 6 guests
5 hours
10:00 11:00
+2
12:00 13:00
Cancellation Policy: Moderate

Full refund available for cancellations made up to 48 hours prior to booking start time.

More About This Experience

Gendewa is a unique bow that originated in Indonesia from the influence of the ancient Hindu culture in Yogyakarta. Gendewa comes from the word Gandiva, Arjuna's legendary bow given to him by Agni, the God of Fire. Known for its strength and sturdiness, the Gendewa was incorporated into the Javanese weaponry by the Javanese rulers at the time. While the Gendewa's significance as a weapon has declined, so has its popularity and knowledge within the local communities, however, a small community of enthusiasts still manage to keep the tradition alive through Jemparingan (Javanese word for archery), a form of archery that is both ceremonial and a sport among hobbyist who keeps this heritage alive today. The materials needed to make a Gendewa are primarily wood and bamboo, string. The length of the bow is determined by the height of the user while the limb is adjusted based on the length of the arms. Parts of the Gendewa is broken down into several units: Cengkolak (English: handle or grip, Indonesian: pegangan) made of light hardwood such as rosewood, sapodilla trunk, coconut trunk, and others. Lar (English: limb, Indonesian: sayap) made of dried bamboo with a specific width segment (50-60 cm). Consist of 2 parts, top, and bottom that is the most important aspect of Gendewa as the projectile tool. Kendheng (English: string, Indonesian: tali busur) made of polyester (Dacron B50), kevlar dan spectra fiber. The materials used to make the Kendheng is currently imported from another country. Making a Gendewa from scratch takes about a week. However, for the purpose of this experience, we have shortened that process so that our guests can still experience part of the process of making a traditional Gendewa. Our host will guide you through the final crucial parts of the Gendewa making process which you will eventually be able to take home with you.

Additional Information:

  • Pick-up location: Exact pick-up location address along with map direction will be sent to your email instantly after booking
  • To be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the booking time
  • Arrows to accompany (can be purchased at additional price and paid directly to your host)
  • To take note that the duration of the workshop may extend beyond the stipulated duration. This depends on the speed of the craft work and also your engagement with the host

Cancellation Policy: Moderate

Full refund available for cancellations made up to 48 hours prior to booking start time.

Location

The pick-up location address will be sent to your email immediately upon booking.

Upcoming availability

Your Local Host

Pak Agus

We are a small but active community that wants to preserve and practice the traditional art of Jemparingan. We are driven by a sense of responsibility towards the preservation of such a uniquely Javanese tradition ...

More about the host
US$ 65.00 5 hrs 10:00 11:00
+2
12:00 13:00
3 Reviews
See Dates
Instant confirmation