KUCHING: Future generations should be encouraged to appreciate and embrace the rich heritage of ethnic groups that can contribute to a more sustainable approach and awareness of culture, crats, performing arts and textile production.
Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan said his ministry and industry players therefor play a significant role in preserving the culture and heritage of Sarawak’s ethnic groups.
He said Malay textiles such as ‘songket’ have their own intrinsic value as a magnificent heritage fabric and are said to have gained popularity in Malaysia since the 13th century and the same goes for Sarawak’s embroidered ‘keringkam’, which has become a symbol of Sarawak Malay society that reflects the culture of the Malay community itself.
“The production of these textiles is a continuous activity passed down from one generation to the next. It reflects various meanings and ways of life. In the past, songket and embroidered textiles not only elevated the dignity of the wearer but also symbolised one’s social status and position.
“However, nowadays, if possible, we want everyone to be able to own these exclusive textiles. Perhaps technological innovation can bring about significant changes to the traditional heritage art that harmonises with the evolving lifestyles of society. Nevertheless, modernity cannot replace authenticity and heritage.
“In whatever form it may take, this constitutes a part of our heritage, and preserving this heritage requires active efforts from our side,” he said when officiating at the ‘Nuansa Seni Vol 3: Pesona Nusantara’ ceremony held at a hotel here last night (July 9).
He added that songket has been included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, announced on Dec 15, 2021, during the 16th Session of the Intangible Cultural Heritage UNESCO in Paris to protect the cultural heritage interests in Malaysia as well as strengthen networking relationships with other countries to promote the country’s culture and heritage at a global level.
“This UNESCO recognition is the highest recognition in the world. It would not be an exaggeration to include songket, keringkam, and other textiles such as Sarawak’s ‘pua kumbu’ in that list as well,” he said.
Snowdan stressed that any form of art, be it textile art, traditional clothing or performing arts, should be protected and upheld by the present generation.
Meanwhile, the programme also featured collections from local designers including Sabah, Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, namely D’Keringkam x Seri Gedong Songket, Anna Sue (Sarawak), Ben Nazry (Sarawak), NES by Helen Dewi Kirana (Indonesia), Hafiz Dressmaker (Sarawak), Na Forrer by Farhana Pura (Brunei Darussalam), Bobby Brian Garon (Sabah), students from the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts (FACA) of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and Persatuan Kesenian dan Warisan Keringkam Sarawak.
