LAPURA - A World Building Project

“Lapura” is a world building project inspired by the diverse and unique culture of Indonesia. Throughout this year-long project, an extensive visual library depicting the world of Lapura was created after long hours of planning, researching and designing and it is assembled neatly in this concept art book titled “The Art of Lapura”.

 I challenged myself to create a fantasy world that celebrates both the vibrant culture of Indonesia as well as my own personal creativity. These illustrations and concept artworks were created by myself using various digital softwares such as Adobe Photoshop and Procreate.

Enjoy your journey in the world of Lapura!

The Forest Tribe 

Located deep in the Rainforest Territory of Lapura is the mysterious Forest Tribe, protected by Dewa Jenggala, the immortal god of the forest. The people of the Forest Tribe live in the village of Rimba, which means “lush forest” in the Indonesian and Javanese language. The village is covered in tall and dense trees where the villagers have built cozy treehouses for sanctuary and protection from the wild animals of the rainforest. The villagers of Rimba are exceptionally skilled at hunting and foraging for food, as well as crafting weapons and traps. The concept for the Forest Tribe is based on the real-life Dayak Tribe, native to the Kalimantan Island of Indonesia.

The villagers of Rimba live on treehouses to avoid the wild animals roaming on the ground. There are also hanging bridges connecting one tree to another to enable easy traveling from one treehouse to another. The design of the treehouse is based on “Rumah Baluk”, the traditional houses of the Dayak people.

Tribal Chief Home

Dewa Jenggala (God of the Rainforest)

Living in the deepest part of the rainforest, Dewa Jenggala has been silently watching over all of the creatures living in the Rainforest Territory. People living in Rimba village believe that by worshipping Dewa Jenggala, the rain- forest will be safe from outsiders and other external dangers. Known to be very strong in the mystics and dark arts, he takes the form of an orangutan, one of the native animals in the rainforest of Lapura.

The Water Tribe

Located in the Archipelago Territory is the bustling Water Tribe, protected by Dewi Segoro, the Goddess of the Southern Sea. The Village of Nusa Ahpung, which means “floating island” in the Indonesian language, is always busy during daytime as most villagers spend most of their time fishing and trading their catch-of-the-day in the hectic fish market. However, beware of the treacherous waves once the sun sets as some unfortunate souls have vanished during nightfall. The concept of the Water Tribe is based on the real-life Nias Tribe from Nias Island, Indonesia.

Water Tribe House & Fish Market Concept

The house design of the Water Tribe is based on the traditional houses of Nias Tribe called “Omo Sebua” and “Omo Hada”.

Dewi Segoro (Goddess of the Southern Sea)

Known to be living in the Southern Sea where she roams freely among the sea creatures is Dewi Segoro. She possesses a sickly green skin, glowing pink eyes and a long serpent-like tail. The goddess is decorated by the most beautiful golden accessories, believed to have been taken from ancient drowned pirate ships, as well as a shimmering, golden trident. Known to be rather devious, local legends speak of Dewi Segoro kidnapping people from the shores during nightfall to keep herself company under the sea.

The Harvest Tribe

Located in the Riverlands Territory is the ever-so-abundant Harvest Tribe. Locals in the village of Rangguna worship Dewi Aamani, the goddess of fertility. To ensure successful harvest and good health of crops, villagers will provide offerings in front of their houses or stalls as a symbol of their deep gratitude towards Dewi Aamani. Most farmers in the region grow staple crops such as rice, cassava and sugarcane to feed their families and to earn a living. The people of Rangguna believe that with hard-work and patience, their tireless efforts will eventually bear fruit. The concept of the Harvest Tribe is based on the re- al-life Bali Tribe from Bali Island, Indonesia.

Ancient Dam 

The villagers depend heavily on the massive rivers running through the area to irrigate their crops, as a result, this dam was built centuries ago to conserve the water supply for the Harvest Tribe. The design of this dam was inspired by traditional Balinese temple doors.

Rangguna Village & Rice Fields

The vast rice fields the Rangguna villagers rely on for sustenance as well as for trade with other tribes. Countless hours are spent on these rice fields to cultivate the best possible produce.

Abandoned Temple Entrance

A mysterious entrance to an abandoned temple below the mountains. No- body knows when the temple was made or what exactly lies inside it. Wanderers have gone in to explore, yet none have ever successfully made it out again to tell the tales. However, rumors have gone around and many people believe it is where Dewi Aamani trapped the evil spirits that roamed the Harvest Tribe centuries ago.

Dewi Aamani (Goddess of Fertility)

A beautiful, woman adorned with elegant golden accessories and a shiny, green, batik skirt. The goddess of fertility is believed to be responsible for the fertile land in the Riverlands Territory and is worshipped by the people of the Harvest Tribe in Rangguna. She is known to be the most generous and kindhearted of the deities, always wearing a gentle smile on her youthful face.

The Mountain Tribe

Located in the impenetrable Highlands Territory is the formidable Mountain Tribe. The village of Giridhuwur, which means “tall mountain” in the Javanese language and Sanskrit, is located in the mountains which makes it easy to defend from outsiders. The people of Giridhuwur are exceptionally resilient and strong willed, given their difficult living conditions up in the secluded mountains. Not a lot of crops can grow in the mountains, so the villagers mostly hunt goat or hare for meat. The Mountain Tribe worships Dewa Bumi, the god of earth. The concept for the Mountain Tribe is based on the real-life Minangkabau Tribe, native to the west-central highlands of Sumatra Island, Indonesia.

Giridhuwur Village 

The villagers of Giridhuwur live in wooden homes built on the rocky mountain terrain. There are also three watch towers built on the mountain peaks.

Dewa Bumi (God of Earth)

Dewa Bumi is the oldest god in Lapura, currently living in the deepest cavern of the largest mountain. Strong and powerful with large distinctive horns on his head, he wields a large sword which he used to split and form the mountain range of Lapura many centuries ago. Dewa Bumi is very proud, stubborn and unyielding towards the other gods and goddesses, always prioritizing doing things in his own way.

The Fire Tribe 

Located in the summery Drylands Territory is the passionate Fire Tribe, living in the village of Batu Mawe, surrounded by steep rocks and the sun-drenched savannah. The people of the Fire Tribe are known to be ardent and fiery, forever loyal and bound to one another unconditionally. Scarce water supply and the sweltering heat makes for a challenging place to live, yet the Fire Tribe is able to overcome these challenges and make a home for themselves in these difficult conditions. Villagers would hunt deers and wild buffalos, or forage for wild berries to survive. The Fire Tribe worships Dewa Mataari, the god of the sun. The concept of the Fire Tribe is based on the real-life Sabu Tribe, from the East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia.

Batu Mawe Village 

The villagers of Batu Mawe live in huts, usually surrounding a campfire. There are numerous campfires in the village, making many clusters of huts in the area.

Field of Sacred Stones

The Fire Tribe believes that the stones are spiritual and filled with mystical powers which makes the field of stones an important ritual site. Sacrificial animals are placed on top of these stones as an offering to Dewa Mataari, the god of the sun, and the tribe elder is allowed to sit on these stones when leading a religious ritual or when communicating with the ancestors.

Giant Komodo Dragon

The giant komodo dragon is the largest lizard species currently living in Lapura. These lizards can grow up to 5.5 meters long and weight about 280 kilograms. They can run swiftly in flat grasslands and often attack deers or even human beings. Komodo dragons have venomous bites that deliver toxins into the prey, killing them almost instantly.

 For several centuries, the people of the Fire Tribe are able to tame some of these giant lizards and use them as mounts when traveling long distances to collect water supply or food. During daytime, the komodo dragons would dig burrows and rest to protect themselves from the intense afternoon heat.

Dewa Mataari (God of the Sun)

Known to be fiery and hot-headed is the passionate Dewa Mataari, god of the sun. He has eight hands and a single touch from him is said to be able to melt the flesh of any mortal beings. Dewa Mataari wields a long, golden spear which helps him concentrate the over-powering energy of the sun within him. He is also known to have quite the temper, with frequent outbursts of anger at times.

Here are some photos from my university graduation exhibition showcasing my works on the world of Lapura. I also printed out concept art books titled "The Art of Lapura" which compiles the concept art and illustrations I did this past one year. 

Hope you guys enjoyed my work!