How to write lontar #2

Summary

In this video, Ibu Febri from Widyasarana Nyurat Lontar demonstrates the traditional process of writing Balinese script on lontar leaves. She explains the tools required, such as lontar leaves, a writing knife (pengrupak), and the preparation of the writing surface. The video covers proper techniques for holding the lontar and knife, creating precise lettering with attention to the sharpness and angle of the tool. After writing, the script is enhanced with a blackening process using tirai and minyak serai, completing the ancient method of writing on lontar. Viewers are encouraged to practice and reach out for further questions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Introduction: The speaker introduces themselves as Ibu Febri from Widyasarana Nyurat Lontar and provides an overview of the video content.
• 😀 Essential Materials: To write Balinese script on lontar leaves, the necessary materials are lontar leaves, a writing knife (pengrupak), lungkee (for support), and tirai (for blackening the script).
• 😀 Writing Tools: Additional tools include a pencil and a ruler for marking lines on the lontar before writing.
• 😀 Holding the Tools: Proper hand positioning is important when holding the lontar and pengrupak. Ensure your index finger is placed on top, with the thumb and middle finger supporting the writing knife.
• 😀 Knife Position: The pengrupak’s sharp end should be angled appropriately—either slightly up or down, depending on the direction of writing.
• 😀 Line Preparation: Start by marking the edges of the lontar with 1 cm margins on both sides and in the middle to create neat guidelines for writing.
• 😀 Writing Technique: The Balinese script on lontar typically forms circular or semi-circular shapes, making it important to maintain a consistent flow while writing.
• 😀 Writing Process: After completing the writing, apply tirai (blackening agent) and minyak sereh (lemongrass oil) to enhance the script’s visibility.
• 😀 Final Steps: Clean the lontar by gently wiping it with a tissue or cotton pad, always moving in a single direction to ensure clarity in the writing.
• 😀 Conclusion: The speaker encourages viewers to practice and offers support for further inquiries, wishing them success in their attempt to write Balinese script on lontar.

Q & A

What is the first tool required for writing Balinese script on lontar leaves?

The first tool required is the lontar leaf itself, which serves as the medium for writing the script.

What is the second essential tool mentioned in the script for writing on lontar?

The second essential tool is the pengrupak or knife, which is used for writing on the lontar leaf.

What is the purpose of the 'lungkee' in the process of writing on lontar?

The lungkee serves as a base or support surface when writing on the lontar leaf.

Why is the 'tirai' used in the lontar writing process?

The tirai is used as a blackening agent to make the writing more visible on the lontar leaf.

How should the pengrupak be held when writing on lontar?

The pengrupak should be held with the index finger on top, the middle finger on the right side, and the thumb on the left side to ensure proper control.

What is the difference between the two types of pengrupak mentioned in the video?

One pengrupak has a sharp point facing upward, while the other has a sharp point facing downward. This affects how the tool is held and used.

What should be considered when preparing to write on lontar in terms of the tool positioning?

The pengrupak with the downward-pointing sharp end should be slightly tilted downwards, and the fingers should press and push the tool in the correct direction for smooth writing.

Why is it important to draw guide lines on the lontar before writing?

Drawing guide lines, approximately 1 cm from the edges and in the middle, helps maintain a consistent size and alignment of the Balinese script, especially for beginners.

What happens after the script is written on the lontar?

Once the script is written, tirai and serai oil are applied to darken the writing, making it more visible and clear.

What should be done after applying the tirai and minyak serai to the lontar?

After applying the tirai and minyak serai, the surface should be cleaned in one direction using a tissue or cotton to ensure the writing is clear and neat.