Sarawakians urged to emulate Ranee Margaret
KUCHING: Sarawakians have been urged to emulate Ranee Margaret (queen consort of the second White Rajah of Sarawak, Charles Anthony Johnson Brooke) who still practised certain aspects of eastern culture even after her return to England.
According to the Welfare, Community Well-being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, the Ranee is often seen wearing “kebarung” even though she is no longer living in Sarawak.
In the Malay language, a “kebarung” is a long, loose garment that combines “baju kebaya” and “baju kurung”, and almost reaches the ankles.
“If Ranee can do that, why do we as Sarawakians don’t do the same thing?” asked Fatimah during her visit to the Ranee Museum at the Old Court House here yesterday.
She explained that we should not forget our eastern culture wherever we are so that it would not be forgotten by future generations.
The Ranee, Fatimah noted, was courageous, intelligent, energetic, and used her unique position to advocate for change.
“A champion of women’s education at home and an ambassador when abroad, she was renowned for her relationship with the remarkable people she would come to see as her own.
“To the outside world she was the wife of the Rajah, but to the local people she was simply the Ranee or Ma’am Ranee.
“She was also a multi-talented woman with very strong character. She took her role very seriously and made sure that the beauty and culture of Sarawak were appreciated,” said Fatimah.
Judging by the pictures and stories at the museum, Margaret was a motivator to the local people during her time.
She ensured that what was important could be documented as historical material for future generations as an important legacy for Sarawak.
“The Ranee: Margaret of Sarawak” exhibition comprises a unique collection of artefacts from the extraordinary life, legend and legacy of Margaret de Windt who, aged 19, married the second Rajah of Sarawak and embraced a new life as queen of Sarawak, a role she fulfilled for almost half a century.
She was inspired by Sarawak which she expressed through paintings, music, literature and crafts. Thanks to her appreciation of local skills such as weaving ‘songket’ and embroidering ‘keringkam’, the finest examples from her personal collection can now be shared.
Inspirations may be drawn from the exquisite objects by the new generation of artisans who are keeping the traditions alive.
In the museum, people can follow Margaret on a journey in Sarawak, during which she found meaning, purpose and identity, after they eluded her everywhere else.
Housed at the Old Court House, the Ranee Museum opens everyday including public holidays from 9am to 4.45pm.
Also present during Fatimah’s visit were Brooke Trust & Brooke Museums Kuching director, Jason Desmond Anthony Brooke, and Brooke Museums Kuching manager, Liza Sideni.
