KUCHING: As part of the ‘Festival 60 Tahun Sarawak Maju Makmur,’ a celebration of Sarawak’s progress and culture, a unique event took centre stage: the inaugural Drumming Seminar.
This seminar was a collaborative effort between the Sarawak branch of the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN), the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sarawak, and the Sarawak State Library. It explored the theme of ‘Local Wisdom, Aesthetics, and the Philosophy of Ethnic Drumming in Sarawak.’
The significance of this seminar extended beyond mere entertainment. It was a conscious effort to provide participants with fresh insights into the cultural tapestry of Sarawak, specifically focusing on the profound role that drumming plays in this diverse region.
Drums in Sarawak have deep-rooted connections to customs, traditional healing, marriage, funerals, and various aspects of daily life. Thus, this seminar aimed to shed light on these cultural treasures and the artistic beauty encapsulated within them.
One of the primary objectives of the seminar was to rekindle interest in the rich heritage, traditions, and cultural practices associated with drumming, ensuring their transmission to future generations. In doing so, it sought to create a platform for the diversification of artistic and cultural elements while emphasising the importance of leading a harmonious life grounded in spiritual values.
During the closing ceremony on yesterday (Sept 13), Sarawak State Library chief executive officer Japri Bujang Masli expressed the significance of Sarawak’s diverse ethnic traditions, each of which exerts a profound influence on the lives of its people.
He stressed that drums, far from being relegated to the role of entertainment, hold a central place in the customs and rituals of Sarawak’s communities. Preserving these traditions, he emphasised, is not only crucial but also a duty to ensure their continuation for generations to come.
The seminar featured captivating presentations by various ethnic associations, including the Persatuan Ngajat Asal Iban, Kelab Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Dayak Siol Kandis, Kuching Melanau Association, Dayak Cultural Foundation, and the Orang Ulu National Association.
Among the distinguished guests at the event were Sarawak JKNN director Noor Seela Noor Sulaiman and Sarawak DBP deputy director Ja’afar Hamdan.
