About     Destination Guides     Event Schedule     Holiday Package     Accommodation     Car Rental     Travel Directory     Useful Info     Contact

 

 

SARAWAK

 
 

 

 

 

 

 
 Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo Arts & Crafts
 

| Overview | Pua Kumbu |


 

Sarawak's natural beauty is legendary. So are its arts and crafts. Inspired by the effortless flight of a hornbill, the supple curvatures of a fern, or an ancestor glimpsed in a dream, skilled craftspeople from their respective tribes transform inspirations and dreams into crafts of beauty. Take home these precious mementoes of your travels and create interesting conversation showpiece of enchanting Sarawak.

 
POTTERY
 

There are two types of pottery crafted in Sarawak, each with its own distinctive look and feel. The ethnic pottery is produced by potters from the Iban, Murut and Kelabit tribes, while some products are made by Chinese potters. Pottery products are various and largely decorative, ranging from delicate jars and vases, to practical products such as ashtrays, candleholders, lamps, teapots, mugs and frames. Sarawakians are proud of their handicraft and often present them as gifts to friends.

 
 
WOODCARVING
 

Wooden tribal art is one f Sarawak’s more exotic crafts. Figurines and masks for casting away evil and sickness, weapon charms and tall guardians are carved from ironwood. Mostly popular are the Kayan and Kenyah wooden spoons that come in varying sizes, from salad bowl to wall-hanging sizes.

 
 

 
BEADWORK
 

Creatively coloured beadwork fashioned into headgear, bracelets, armbands, waistbands and trinkets are one of the endearing Sarawak handicrafts that have survived from generation to generation. Used in full traditional gear during formal and festive ceremonies, these fashionable items really make a statement of ethnicity and glorious tribal art.

 
 
TEXTILES
 

Tropical Asia is very well represented in Sarawak’s puah textiles. The famous Puah Kumbu is a must in a traditional Sarawakian's home — adorning walls and tables, becoming cushion throws, sarongs, carpets, and even clothes. Motifs include rough representations of flora, fauna and humans. The art of living Sarawakian style is very distinct, ethnic yet relaxed as the textiles convey a rich traditional feel. Main colours are dark red and blue.

 

There are many more wonderful handicraft legacies from Sarawak’s indigenous peoples, that you must go and experience Sarawak for yourself.

 
 
WEAVING & BASKETRY
 

Palm, rattan, tree barb, bamboo and various other plants gathered from the forests are woven into works of art by the many tribal community here. The Bidayuh are famous for their 'kesah’ mats, stoutly woven from rattan and beaten tree bark while the Melanau's and Malays are well known for using the leaves of sago, pandanus and palms to make intricately plaited baskets, colourful mats, hats and home decorative items. And, the Iban's weave intricate arrowroot patterned mats which show up only in oblique light.

 
 

 

| Overview | Pua Kumbu |

 
 Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo Arts & Crafts

Language :

 

     

    

     

 
 

Tell A Friends

Bookmark This Page