Letter Openers

Date: 2010 Material: Nyireh batu wood, a species of mangrove tree Maker: Samri and Lijah (Mah Meri) Region: Kg. Sg. Bumbun, Pulau Carey, Selangor

Traditional Mah Meri masks inspired the design of these carved sculptural letter-openers. These well-crafted, authentic carvings are popular among tourist-collectors often shopping for light- weight gifts for friends and families on return travel to their homes.

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Betel Boxes

Kampil /pati kzau, Betel Boxes Date: 2009 Materials: Wood, lampblack-didu and leaf sap binder-vandahan Maker: Jaitin Motangon, (Rungus) Region: Kudat, Sabah

The light natural coloured surfaces of the wooden boxes are first dyed with lampblack and leaf sap. These traditionally inspired designs are hand carved into the wood. In recent years these boxes have been scaled down from the traditional large box format to create smaller boxes. These boxes are used to store jewellery and other items or used as a gift box.

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Pandanus 1 6 pouch 5 2

7 4 3 1 Bujam Sepit, pandanus pouch Date: 2011 3 Materials: Hake, processed, dyed pandanus strips Maker: Gandoi Peah (Mah Meri) 5 1 Region: Kg. Sg. Bumbun, Pulau Carey, Selangor

2 Bujam Lipo’ Halus, curlwork pouch Date: 2011 Material: Hake, processed, dyed pandanus strips Maker: Isam@Ramlan’n Layok Pandanus strips (hake) are prepared by the weavers from pandanus (Mah Meri) Region: Kg. Sg. Bumbun, Pulau plant leaves gathered from garden plantings or purchased from Carey, Selangor local markets. The pouches were originally used to contain tobacco, betel quid or money. These days, the colourful pouches are used as 3 Bujam Lipo, curlwork pouch purses, card-holders and covers for hand phones. Date: 2011 Material: Hake, processed, dyed pandanus strips Maker: Mukot@ Kukot Karam (Mah Meri) Region: Kg. Sg. Bumbun, Pulau Carey, Selangor

4 Kepit Mengkuang, pandanus box 5 Bujam Sepit Kasar, pandanus 6 Bujam Sepit, pandanus pouch 7 Bujam Sepit, pandanus pouch Date: 2011 pouch Date: 2011 Date: 2011 Material: Hake, processed, dyed Date: 2011 Material: Hake, processed, dyed Material: Hake, processed, dyed pandanus strips Material: Hake, processed, dyed pandanus strips pandanus strips Maker: Liah (Jakun) pandanus strips Maker: Gandai Pelah (Mah Meri) Maker: Jura (Mah Meri) Region: Kg. Simpai, Pekan, Maker: Ganda Yad (Mah Meri) Region: Kg. Sg. Bumbun, Pulau Region: Kg. Sg. Bumbun Pulau Pahang Region: Kg. Sg. Bumbun, Pulau Carey, Selangor Carey, Selangor Carey, Selangor

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Ancestor Flowers Festive Decorations

Date: 2011 Material: Woven nipah leavelets Makers: Tompoq Topoh, Woman’s ‘First Weave’ Initiative group, (Mah Meri) Region: Kg.Sg. Bumbun, Pulau Carey, Selangor

These “anyaman dawud “ decorative woven and plaited strips are used as decorations for ceremonies and to honour the spirits. They are also used for weddings, birthdays, funerals and prayers for special occasions.

Most of the decorative forms are crafted from nipah palm leaves. There are many symbolic designs, some with names like gombe (dolphine) and keris (traditional knives).

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Jah Re-Noi Jungle Puzzle 1

1 Jah re-noi, Jungle Puzzle Date: 2010 2 Materials: Chong, Rattan and nylon string Maker: Raman Bah Tuin (Semai) Region: Kg. Rantau, Ringlet, Cameron Highland, Pahang

2 Jah re-noi, Jungle Puzzle Date: 2010 Materials: Chong, Rattan and nylon string Maker: Babola (Semai) Region: Kuala Lipis, Pahang “In old days the men would take these puzzles on trips to the jungle. If they cannot solve this game they believe they will not be able to find your way jungle. Today boys and girls play this game and they just for the fun of it. I sell these puzzles to many tourists both Malay and visitors from around the world that visit the Orang Asli Museum in Gombak” –Noraishah, age 11

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Tudung Saji Food Covers

Tudung Saji, Food Covers Date: 2011 Material: Dyed pandanus strips Maker: Unknown, (Bajau) Region: Kota Belud, Sabah

“The tudung saji is a type of food cover used by Malaysians, especially those in rural areas. The food covers are woven in a specific technique called triaxial or hexagonal weave, where the strands are plaited in three directions. The brilliant colours and patterns in this collection are enjoyed for their mathematical geometry, artistry and function.” -Daud Mohamad, Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences (UITM)

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION 1 Ikat 2 Sashes 3

4

1 Sash Date: 2010 Materials: Cotton, Engkerebai 5 leaves dye Maker: Marry Jenoh (Iban) Region: Batu Kawa, Sarawak 6

2 Sash Date: 2010 Materials: Cotton, Engkerebai leaves dye Maker: Menggan Anak Oton (Iban) Region: Meradong, Sarawak “The sash was worn during festivals by beauty queens. Today we wear the sash for a modern way. An Iban weaver who excelled 3 Sash Date: 2010 in skill and was spiritually strong enough to realize the potent Materials: Cotton, Engkerebai designs revealed to her in dreams, received the title ‘orang pandai’ leaves dye Maker: Shirley Vilan Anak Ikok (learned) and respect equal to that enjoyed by a successful (Iban) Region: Pending, Kuching, warrior.”—Kim Jane Saunders. Sarawak Textiles selected from the Tung Jugah Foundation

4 Sash Date: 2010 Materials: Cotton, Engkerebai leaves dye Maker: Santy Anak Nyuin (Iban) Region: Apong, Kuching, Sarawak

5 Sash 6 Sash Date: 2010 Date: 2010 Materials: Cotton, Engkerebai Materials: Cotton, Engkerebai leaves dye leaves dye Maker: Tida Anak Banta (Iban) Maker: Marry Anak Nyuin (Iban) Region: Batu Kawa, Sarawak Region: Meradong, Sarawak

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Containers- Baskets

Date: 2011 Material: Rattan 2 Maker: Unknown, (Penan) Region: Long Iman, Mulu, Sarawak

The nomadic Penan people of Sarawak are famous for their finely made band mats all traditionally made with natural rattan fibres, geometric patterns and colours.

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Fish trap

Bubu Pachok, “Pregnant” fishtrap Date: 2009 Materials: Palm fibre and rattan Maker: Angah Anjang, (Temiar) Region: Kg. Peralong, Kuala Betis, Gua Musang, Kelantan

Different fish traps are used to fish from either slow or fast-moving streams, they are designed and produced in a diverse range of forms to enable the capture of both large and small fish.

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Ancestor Masks

1 Moyang Tok Naning Date: 2011 Materials: ‘Nyireh Batu’ wood Maker: Alias Bin Sayor (Mah Meri) Region: Kg. Sg. Bumbun, Pulau Carey, Selangor 1 2

2 Moyang Bojos Date: 2011 Materials: ‘Nyireh Batu’ wood Maker: Alias Bin Sayor (Mah Ancestral masks in this grouping were carved at the community Meri) Region: Kg. Sg. Bumbun, Pulau carving shed at Carey Island. Carey, Selangor “I learned how to make the mask since I was 17. My teacher was my grandfather and dad. Today I enjoy making the different masks.”– Alias Bin Sayor

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Kucau Water Scoops

Kucau, Water scoop Date: 2011 Materials: Areca palm sheath, dried rattan Maker: Kampit Ayo (Semelai) Region: Kg. Gao, Pos Iskandar, Tasek Bera, Pahang

Traditionally, Kucau were used while bathing or for scooping up water from a shallow well or river creek. These days Kucau are used to serve food, as planters and for other decorative and functional purposes.

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Kerton Stacking Containers

“Three in One Nesters” Date: 2010 Materials: : Processed and dyed pandanus strips Maker: Salbiah Tan (Jakun) Region: Kg. Simpai, Pekan, Pahang

Kerton were, traditionally, small containers for used for keeping gambir, areca nut or tobacco. The striking colours and geometric forms look, very much like modern designs. They can be re- arranged and used for storage containers or as decorative sculptural objects.

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Blowpipes, darts and containers

Blowpipes Blau, Leug darts & containers Date: 2010 Materials: Smoked bamboo, palm fibre, wood and rattan Maker: Busu Ngah, (Temiar) Region: Gua Musang, Kelantan

Blowpipes are weapons used throughout indigenous communities in Malaysia. It is a hunting tool for live food such as squirrels, wild boar and birds. An experienced hunter can accurately hit his target at marvelous speed with a single blow at one end of the blowpipe.

These blow pipes are used for outdoor sport (supervision required). Although scaled-down, these blowpipes are usable; the darts are kept in the leug container.

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Floor Mats

Date: 2011 Materials: Screwpine Maker: Maznah Anak Unyan and Julida Binti Uju (Mah Meri) Region: Kg. Sg. Bumbun, Pulau Carey, Selangor

One of the most iconic Malaysian design is the traditional floor mat used for sleeping or as floor carpets during the day. “We make the mats from Mengkuang leaves. We started planting since 2007 and then the government gave us funds to replant. It takes one 1 1/2 years for the leaves to mature. Our teachers were our parents passed on from one generation to the other. We feel proud doing this weaving because it our contribution to our villages…our husbands are proud that we weave.” – Maznah Anak Unyan

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Tudung Duang Food Covers

Tudung Duang Food cover-container set Date: 2011 Material: Serdang leaves, dyed thread and nails Maker: Sadi b. Basar @ Basa, (Bajau) Region: Kota Belud, Sabah

Tudung Duang is the local (Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia) version of a food cover made from pandanus leaves to protect your food from flies and insects. They also make nice decorative items, being available in bright colours, sometimes with motifs.

Serdang handicrafts are traditionally handwoven by the Bajau community. Home made dyes are used to turn them into a variety of colours.They are then sewn together to form pattern on the Tudung Duang. Besides being used traditionally as food covers, it is also used nowadays as beautiful home decorations.

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Pua Cloth

Pua Cloth Date: 2010 Materials: Cotton, morinda mengkudu root dye Maker: Janun Anak Jilin (Iban) Region: Sungai Kian, Sarawak & Tun Jugah Foundation, Kuching, Sarawak

“In the early days there were no blankets, so we made them to cover (pua) the body for sleep. Pua patterns have been used to adorn modern dresses, shirt and scaft—proudly worn by Iban during celebrations and party functions. The interest in weaving is definitely on the increase. In many ways, Ikat fabrics could be ‘the ties that bind’ Ibans closer together.” –Datin Amar Margaret Linggi, The Ties that Bind, Iban Ikat Weaving.

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Clay Beads

Date: 2011 Materials: glazed ceramic Maker: Lun Bawan women Region: Lawas, Sarawak

....”The indigenous people of Sarawak have since long ago been associated with beadwork for adornment as well as for ceremonial purposes. Here, beads tradition goes back to the very remote past. Because traditional beads are scarce now, we started making these ceramic beads”.... –Patricia Busak (Lun Bawang)

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Bangles and Finger Rings 3 1

1 Bangles Date: 2011 Materials: Rattan, fern fibre Maker: Along Betis (Temiar) 4 2 Region: Pos Tohoi, Gua Musang, Kelantan

2 Bangles and rings Date: 2011 Materials: Rattan, fern fibre Maker: Daie Pandak (Temiar) Region: Pos Balar, Gua Musang, Kelantan The design of fiber coil work, used to weave leug (blowpipe dart covers), inspired the crafting of these new product. The ornamental 3 Bangle-bracelets bangles and rings in this grouping are created from rattan vine split Date: 2011 Materials: Paku Pakis. ferm fibre into four loops which provide framework for the bangle. In olden Maker: Egim Along (Orang Ulu) Region: Uma Kahei, Longhouse. days bangles were worn to protect the person from harmful spirits. Belaga, Sarawak

4 Hand Rings Date: 2011 Materials: Paku Pakis, fern fibre, rattan Maker: Egim Kahei (Orang Ulu) Region: Uma Kahei, Longhouse, Belaga, Sarawak

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION 1 Functional Baskets

6 2 2 6 1 Kitchen Sieves Date: 2011 Materials: Bamboo and rattan Maker: Rity ak Ningkan (Iban) Region: Kg. Entayan Keropok, 4 3 Serian, Sarawak

5 5 2 Shallow Trays Date: 2011 Material: Processed donax strips (Striped giant reed) Maker: Yongkokos Bandaak @Ongloko and Juvita Gani (Dusun) Region: Kg. Topokan, Tuaran, Sabah These functional sieves are still in use today in the homes of Malaysians in spite of the availability of inferior plastic examples. 3 Rock Sugar Containers Date: 2010 The sieves, trays and containers included in this grouping are Material: Striped bamboo Maker: Edwin Sijan, (Bidayuh) collected by home-makers, tourists and museums alike. In Region: Serian, Sarawak indigenous communities around the globe, baskets are made, primarily for functional purposes, although craftsmanship and 4 Rinago round containers Date: 2011 beauty have always been a factor in their design. The functional Materials: Rattan and Lingkong objects in this grouping of baskets include sieves, storage boxes and Maker: Nuriah Bt. Jamirun (Rungus) containers. Malaysian baskets reflect the diversity of indigenous Region: Kudat, Sabah communities who are inspired and influenced by generations of weavers and diffusion from others throughout Southeast Asia. 5 Nyiru, Winnowing Tray Date: 2010 Material: Rattan, bamboo Maker:Unknown, Temiar Region: Kuala Kangsar, Pera

6 Ambung /Raga Date: 2010 Material: Rattan, bamboo Maker:Unknown, (Temiar/Semai) Region: Sg. Siput, Perak

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Percussion Instruments

5 3 1 Bungkau, Jaw harp 4 Date: 2010 Material: Polod palm stalk Maker: A. Topin, (Kadazandusun) Region: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah 2 1 6

2 Harp Date: 2011 Material: Bamboo Maker: Unknown, (Temiar) Region: Perak

3 Kiromboi, Rain-maker “Gong culture permeates South East Asia and Borneo, and there Date: 2011 are many types of gong music ranging from court to village Materials: Local snail shell, bamboo music. However the region is rich with other unique percussion Maker: Unknown, (Bidayuh) Region: Bao, Sarawak instruments. Many of these imitated the rich sounds and rhythms of the jungle insects that were the time keepers, marking each 4 Canang / Bendai , Flat gong hour of the day or night with specific sounds. Many of these local Date: 2009 Material: Brass Malaysian percussion instruments have found their way to Maker: Darwin (Rungus) Region: Matunggong, Kudat, musician’s collections around the world, and can be heard on CDs Sabah and movie soundtracks that enter our homes on a regular basis.” –Randy Raine-Reusch, Artistic Director, Consultant, Composer, 5 Ketebong, War Drum Date: 2010 Concert Artist Materials: Ironwood, goat skin, rattan Maker: Unknown, (Iban Region: Sarawak

6 Balimbing / Buzzer Date: 2010 Material: Bamboo Maker: Unknown Region: Sabah

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Costume Dolls

Date: 2012 2 Materials: Acrylic yarn, kapok, 4 beads and recycled materials. Maker: Heidi Munan Region: Kuching, Sarawak 3 5 1 1 Iban couple

2 Bidayuh couple

3 Kelabit and Lun Bawang ladies

4 Orang Ulu couple

5 Melanau couple The knitted dolls were created to develop a new product, depicting stylized version of Sarawak’s traditional costumes. My close-knit family is not unlike the multi-racial population at large! says Swiss- born Heidi Munan, who is married to an Iban and has a truly international extended family.

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION 3 4 Hats

5 6 7 1 Tempok Date: 2010 Material: Daun mengkuang (Screwpine) Maker: Unknown, (Temiar) 9 Region: Sg. Siput, Perak

8 2 Tempok Date: 2010 Material: Tobacco grass 1 2 Maker: Unknown, (Temiar) 8 Region: Sg. Siput, Perak

3 Topi, Hat Date: 2010 Material: Rattan Maker: Unknown, (Bidayuh) Region: Serian, Sarawak Indigenous “Topi” and “Tempok” hats were created to keep people cool, protected from the sun and for ceremonial-festive occasions. 4 Topi, Hat These days both traditional and new hat designs are created for Date: 2010 Material: Rattan “Welcome Ceremonies” and are a popular fashion statement. Maker: Dayak Weavers in These well-crafted hats are purchased by tourist and other fashion collaboration with Edric Ong, Design Consultant conscious women and men from around the globe. Region: Rumah Garie Longhouse, Ulu Kapit, Sarawak

5 Tapung Sek- Female Headdress 7 Seraung Dusan Hat 9 Woman’s Hat-Head gear Date: 2010 Date: 2010 Date: 2010 Materials: Glass beads, pineapple Materials: Selingkawang, rattan Materials: Bemban , bamboo, fiber, human hair, goat fur Makers: Margaret bt. Kiet and ruambutan and mengkudu leaves Maker: Balu Bungan (Kenyah John B. Poulus (Dusun) for natural dyes Orang Ulu) Region: Papar, Sabah Maker: Mahida Rikit (Murut) Region: Baram, Miri, Sarawak Region: Keningau, Sabah

6 Tapung Sek- Male Headdress 8 Woman’s Hat Date: 2010 Date: 2010 Materials: Glass beads, pineapple Materials: Ilad root, nuper fiber, human hair, goat fur tangang bark Maker: Balu Bungan (Kenyah Maker: Maria bt. Palong Orang Ulu) (Lundayeh) Region: Baram, Miri, Sarawak Region: Sipitang, Sabah

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Longhouse Days

Longhouse Days Date: 2011 Materials: Off-set lithography Maker: Jainal Amambing (Rungus) Region: Kudat, Sabah

....“Many of Jainal’s paintings and illustrations depict the traditional lifestyles of indigenous people in Sabah…Detailed illustrations and simple words bring to life memories of a boyhood spent in the Rungus longhouse and a world that is rapidly disappearing.”.... –Editor Daphane Lee, Publisher of Oneredflower.

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION 1 1 Bead Necklaces 2

1 Bead necklaces Date: 2010 3 Material: Imported glass beads 3 Maker: Unknown (Rungas) Region: Kudat, Sabah

2 Botanical bead necklaces Date: 2008 Material: Keryel seeds Maker: Ranman Bah Tuin (Semai) Region: Batu 12, Gombak, Selangor “The oldest beads yet discovered in Peninsula Malaysia, dating 3 Bead necklaces Date: 2011 from about 2500 years ago, were found inside a granite grave in the Materials: Glass beads and Bernam Valley of south Perak.” In most parts of the world, beads thread Maker: Nonjiring Mantuku, have been used for trade, currency and show of status. Inohiying @ Lonnie Ligon (Rungus) Region: Kudat, Sabah This grouping of necklaces contrasts of necklaces crafted from colourful glass beads and natural botanical seeds. Glass and ceramic beads have been imported into Malaysia over the centuries. What distinguishes the beads as Malaysian is how they have been strung and fashioned into necklaces, hats, beads, bracelets, charms, and garments. This is how the beads of Malaysia, particularly Sarawak and Sabah are distinguished.

Sources: : Zuliskandar Ramli, Nik Hassan Shuhaimi, Nik Abdul Rahman: Beads Trade in Peninsular Malaysia. Based on Archeological Evidence, National University of Malaysia. Heidi Munon

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Tattoos 3 2 sketches and tools

1 Pantang Rekung, throat tattoos Date: 2012 Materials: Felt tip on paper 1 Maker: Allanstair Dend (Iban) Region: Kuching, Sarawak

2 Anak Gajah Berimbai, Young elephant Date: 2012 Materials: Felt tip on paper Maker: Allanstair Dend (Iban) Region: Kuching, Sarawak “I learned the tradition of Iban tattooing by researching in Iban communities across Sarawak. I hope to pass on my experience to 3 Kayu Tatuk, Tapping stick and future generations and to express myself and Iban tradition.” tapper Date: 2012 –Allanstair Dend Materials: Felt tip on paper Maker: Allanstair Dend (Iban) Region: Kuching, Sarawak

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Wind Instruments 3 5 4

1 Suling, Three hole flute 7 Date: 2008 Materials: bamboo, incised 6 green dye Maker: Pak Sijian (Bidayuh) Region: Bao, Sarawak 1 2 2 Berinchoyo, Seven hole flute Date: 2008 Materials: Bamboo, incised red dye Maker: Pak Sijian (Bidayuh) Region: Bao/Kuching, Sarawak

3 Sompoton, Mouth organ Date: 2010 “Malaysia is home to a number of unique musical instruments Materials: Bamboo, gourd, made with care using traditional methods. Although endangered selingkawang, rattan Maker: George B. Nuli (Kadazan for many years by a political push to modernize the indigenous dusun) Region: Kota Belud, Sabah people, there is a growing awareness in Malaysia of the importance of these unique communities found in both peninsular and East 4 Sompoton, Mouth organ Date: 2010 Malaysia. Musical instruments were associated with almost Materials: Bamboo, gourd, every aspect of daily life in these communities, from courtship to selingkawang, rattan Maker: George B. Nuli (Kadazan tattooing, and from planting to headhunting. These traditions are Dusan) Region: Kota Belud, Sabah growing partially with the success of the Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak, each year bringing thousands of tourists to the 5 Tu-wet, Hunting flute Date: 2010 region looking for authentic traditional culture” Materials: Awed, Smoked bamboo –Randy Raine-Reusch, Artistic Director, Consultant, Composer, Maker: Bah Muda, (Semai) Concert Artist Region: Kuala Lipis, Pahang

6 Si-oi, Nose Flute 7 Pensol, Si-oi, Nose Flute Date: 2010 Date: 2010 Materials: Awed, incised bamboo Materials: Awed, incised bamboo Maker: Bah Muda, (Semai) Maker: Bah Muda, (Semai) Region: Kuala Lipis, Pahang Region: Kuala Lipis, Pahang

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION Sape 1 and Shield

1 Sape Date: 2112 Material: Ironwood Maker: Mathew Ngan (Orang Ulu) Region: Kpf. Atas, Singai, Bau, 2 Sarawak

2 Ceremonial Dance Shield Date: 2012 Materials: Rubberwood Maker: Liag Ngau (Orang Ulu) Region: Kpf. Atas, Singai, Bau, Sarawak “The sape is a lute-like instrument used by the Kenyah/Kayan people. The painted motif represents plants and creatures found in the rainforest. I learned from the old people in the longhouse how to play and create sapes”– Mathew Ngau

Red, black and white colour the motifs on the surface of this traditionally inspired shield, similar to historical examples.

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION 1

Collars, Sashes 1 1 and Apron

2 2

1 Circular collar Date: 2011 Materials: Glass beads Maker: Julian Anak Embose (Bidayuh) 3 Region: Kuching, Sarawak

2 Necklace Date: 2011 Materials: Glass beads and strings Maker: Nonjiring Mantuku and Inohiying @ Lonnie Ligon (Rungus) Region: Kudat, Sabah Indigenous people of Sarawak have since long ago been associated with beadwork for adornment as well as ceremonial purpose. This 3 Apron Date: 2011 grouping contains collars, sashes and an apron used for dance Materials: Recycled plastic beads costumes. Maker: Ping and Mata Lian (Orang Ulu) Region: Rumah Mulu, Panjang, Sarawak

MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION 1 Baskets 7 7

6 2 1 Takinan Date: 2010 3 Material: Rattan, bamboo, dye Maker: Unknown (Murat) Region: Kg. Sanang, Tenom, Sabah

2 Seed Basket 4 5 Date: 2010 Material: Sellingkawang, rattan Maker: Busak bt. Sarah (Murut) Region: Kg. Sanang, Tenom, Sabah

3 Seed Basket Date: 2010 Material: Sellingkawang, rattan Baskets known as “takinan” are a rural community project at Murat Maker: Busak bt. Sarah (Murut) longhouse in Sabah. Takinan are made from strips of young ‘simbotuon’ Region: Kg. Sanang, Tenom, or ‘puss’ bamboo. Natural dyes are used, red from the mengkudu roots or Sabah dragon’s blood from the fruits of climbing rattan: black, from the leaves and stalk of the indigo plants. Basketwork is generally done by women while the 4 Thorny Lidded Basket Date: 2011 collection and preparation of the material is done by both men and women. Materials: Hake, processed pandansus strips and dye Maker: Khalijah (Mah Meri) The colourful and decorative thorny durian-looking baskets are called Sungu’ Region: Kg. Sg. Bumbun, Pulau duri were originally designed to contain areca nut shavings. Carey, Selangor The distinction between “useful” and “beautiful” (more modern than you 5 Thorny Lidded Basket would think) does not occur in Sarawak handiwork. Nearly every object that Date: 2011 Materials: Hake, processed is used is decorated, and everything that is decorated is used, such as bamboo pandanus strips and dye containers with their tendril designs scratched into them. “Kami Iban bumai” Maker: Julida Uju (Mah Meri) Region: Kg. Sg. Bumbun, Pulau (we iban grow hill rice) is a saying that implies that their whole life, culture Carey, Selangor and religion are based on rice farming.

Container Seed Carrier 6 Source: Jean –Francois Blehaut, Iban Baskets 7 Date: 2010 Date: 2010 Material: Seke, processed Materials: Rattan and bamboo, pandanus strips and fern fibre dye Maker: Aban Ayan (Temier) Maker: Unknown (Orang Ulu) Region: Pos Tohoi, Gua Musang, Region: Sawawak Kelantan MALAYSIA INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES APPLIED ARTS EXHIBITION