HUB CRAFT “SARAWAK WEAVING ARTS” by FAR.Creative
Guidelines For “KELINGAI” Weaving Contents Table of The History of Mat-Weaving 03 04 05 06 07-10 11 The History of Mat-Weaving Arts The History of Iban Culture & Handicraft The Meaning Of Motifs Iban Culture: “Kelingai” The History of Bisaya Culture & Handicraft The Meaning Of Motifs Bisaya Culture “Flora & Fauna” 12 Guidelines For “FLORA & FAUNA” Weaving 13-15 The History of Murut Culture & Handicraft 16 The Meaning Of Motifs Murut Culture “Inambau Kinelepisau” 17-18 Guidelines For “inambau kinelepisau” Weaving 19-21 Conclusion 22
THE HISTORY OF MAT WEAVING 03 Mat-weaving has a rich history, dating back thousands of years. It’s traditional craft found in various cultures globally with evidence of matmaking techniques in ancient civilizations such as Egypt,China and Native America tribes. Photo.2 Photo.1 The process involves weaving natural materials like grass,reeds or palm leaves to create functional and decorative mats used for flooring,seating and shelter. Over time, different regions have developed unique styles and patterns contributing to the diversity of matweaving traditions.
THE HISTORY OF MAT WEAVING ARTS 04 Photo.4 Photo.3 In ancient Egypt, mats adorned with symbolic motifs were used for religious ceremonies. In Asia, countries like Japan and China developed refined techniques, producing tatami mats and bamboo mats,respectively. Native American tribes employed weaving skills for both utilitarian and ceremonial mats. The art of mat-weaving has adapted to changing times and influences, with contemporary artists experimenting with new materials and designs. Today, mat-weaving continues to be a celebrated form of traditional and contemporary artistic expression, preserving cultural heritage while embracing innovation.
THE HISTORY OF IBAN CULTURE & HANDICRAFT 05 The Iban people, also Known as Sea Dayaks are indigenous to the island of Borneo, particularly in the Malaysia state of Sarawak. The Iban culture has a rich and storied history deeply connective to the island’s rainforests and rivers. The Iban people have a rich tradition of handicrafts that reflects their cultural heritage and skills. One notable aspect is the creation of traditional Iban textiles,including the famous “Pua Kumbu”. These handwoven textiles are often adorned with intricate patterns and motifs, representing cultural symbols, myths, and spiritual beliefs. Photo.5 P h oto.6 Additionally, the Iban are skilled in crafting baskets, mats and other items from natural materials such as rattan and bamboo. Traditional Iban mats are often made from natural materials like pandanus leaves or rattan. The intricate weaving patterns not only serve functional purpose, such as for flooring or seating, but also carry cultural signifincance.
THE MEANING OF MOTIFS IBAN CULTURE: “KELINGAI” 06 Photo.7 The “Kelingai” motif is symbolic and carries cultural significance for the Iban people. It is associated with protection and strength, representing the power of animals with tusks, like wild boars or elephants. In Iban belief, the motif is thought to possess spiritual qualities, providing a sense of safeguarding and warding off negative forces. Beyond its protective symbolism, the “Kelingai” motif may also have variations in meaning depending on the specific design and its context within the textile. The Iban, Known for tegur intricate weaving and storytelling through patterns use motifs like “Kelingai” to convey narratives, myths, or aspects of their cultural heritage. In Iban culture, the “Kelingai” motif holds significant meaning. The “Kelingai”, also known as “tusk” or “tusk-like” motif, is a distinctive design resembling a tusk or horn that is often woven into traditional Iban textiles.
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THE HISTORY OF BISAYA CULTURE & HANDICRAFT 11 The Bisaya people in Sarawak,Malaysia have a rich cultural history rooted in traditions, folkore and customs. Bisaya culture is diverse and encompasses various ethnic groups in different regions. Originating from the Philippines and also present in Malaysia, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, the Bisaya people have unique traditions, languages and customs. Photo.50 P h oto.51 Traditional weaving is a significant handicraft among the Bisaya peoplel. Skilled artisans weave intricate patterns into textiles, creating items such as mats, baskets and clothing. These woven products often feature vibrant colors and patterns unique to the Bisaya community. The history of handicrafts among the Bisaya people reflects a rich traditions of artistic expression and functional creations. Handicrafts have been integral to Bisaya culture, serving both utilitarian and culture purposes.
THE MEANING OF MOTIFS BISAYA CULTURE: “FLORA & FAUNA” 12 Photo.52 Animals depicted in mat weaving can carry symbolic meanings. For example, birds might symbolize freedom or spirituality while animals like fish could represent abundance or prosperity. Some fauna motifs might be inspired by local myths, legends or stories. And also may highlight the close relationship between the Bisaya people and their natural environment. Flora Motifs: Symbolism of flowers often symbolize natural beauty, growth and the cycle of life. Different floral patterns may represent specific plants with cultural or traditional significance. Also cultural significance are based on certain flower may be associated with rituals, ceremonies or stories within the Bisaya culture, making their inclusion in mat weaving a way to preserve and pass down these cultural elements. The aesthetic appeal of the mats by adding vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Fauna Motifs: Mats are essential items in Bisaya households, and mat weaving is a skill passed down through generations. Mats serve practical purposes, such as sleeping and sitting and are also used in various culture ceremonies.
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THE HISTORY OF MURUT CULTURE & HANDICRAFT 16 The Murut people are part of the larger indigenous groups in Borneo, including areas in Sabah and Sarawak. They have a diverse cultural heritage and are known for their distinctive language and customs. Photo.72 P h oto.7 3 The history of Murut handicrafts is intertwined with the cultural practices, natural resources and artistic expressions of the Murut people, reflecting their connection to the land and the preservation of their unique heritage. Murut people craft traditional mats using natural fibers. These mats serve both practical and cultural purposes, used for sitting, sleeping and as ceremonial items. The mats often feature unique patterns and motifs that hold cultural significance
17 Photo.74 THE MEANING OF MOTIFS MURUT CULTURE: “INAMBAU KINELEPISAU” Murut handicrafts frequently incorporate cultural symbols and motifs that carry specific meanings. These symbols may represent aspects of Murut mythology, spirituality or daily life. In another version, the history of “Inambau Kinelepisau” motifs is about the Gadis Sunti means young woman or wonoi-wonoi which isprohibited from doing any outdoor activities, like socializing with the community. Theseyoung ladies are only allowed to go out when their parents brought them to the farm to dogardening. Besides that, their parents during that time were asking them only do houseworksuch as cleaning the house, cooking, and weaving. The way of the parent educating theirdaughters is to put them away from danger, for dignity of a young woman before they get married. These motifs are also on exhibit to highlight the history, myths, or the legendary of cultural community. During old times, there was a warrior named Ambau who nobody can match his power and strength. There was a Gadis Sunti doing her batik, and used the name of the warrior to represent strength and speed of Ambau like a swallow bird flying away to escape from its enemy. This was told to be the hardest batik because having different patterns of batik to be put in one.
18 Photo.75 THE MEANING OF MOTIFS MURUT CULTURE: “INAMBAU KINELEPISAU” Gadis Sunti who do weaving, are alwaysfeel alone and full of emptiness in their heart, because they were not allowed to socializedwith the community. Because of that, they always in fantasy and imagining their future, and these fantasies and imagination create the motif and pattern in their weaving. The motif andpattern were held down to their generations until today. raya (small basket like thing to put paddy) and other weavings from rattan, tree bark, and palm tree leave to make house roof. This kind of skill is neededby a Gadis Sunti in order for them to be prepared for their marriage. Those routine keeprepeated by all young women, until they get married. After married, this skill will help them as their economic source for their family. Only during after this period, they are allowed tosocialized with the community. Gadis Sunti also told to do weaving like cloth from cotton, and weaving mat, basket,
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The Sarawak Weaving Arts, is a guided by established principles, serves as a valuable traditional craft that empowers the younger generation. Through adherence to guidelines, they not only learn the skill but also gain a deeper appreciation for their cultural heritage. This fosters a sense of identity and connection with their roots, promoting cultural sustainability. In conclusion, the one-year journey of making mat-weaving using guidelines has demonstrated its positive impact on the younger generation, local economy, and talent development. It serves as a testament to the resilience of traditional crafts and their ability to adapt to contemporary needs while preserving cultural identity. As this practice continues to evolve, it is crucial to recognize and support the ongoing efforts to sustain and promote mat-weaving as a valuable cultural and economic asset. "Discover The Sarawak Culture" www.hubcraft.com conclusion 22