KUCHING: ‘The Sartorial Heritage of Sarawak’, a book based on renowned author Heidi Munan’s research of 50 years on Sarawak material culture, folklore, and history was launched yesterday.
According to a press release issued in conjunction with the book launch at Telang Usan Hotel here, Heidi is one of Sarawak’s most successful authors, having published several books on such subjects, including Beads of Borneo, Sarawak Historical Landmarks, Sarawak Food Heritage, and Sarawak Folk Tales.
“Heidi is well placed to research the literature and collect information, stories, and anecdotes to piece together the scintillating puzzle that is Sarawak’s Sartorial Heritage.
“Her book reflects on our forefathers’ ways of life in the past, asking questions such as how they made their clothes from rainforest materials, if needles were used, and if they cut the fabrics without using scissors,” it said.
These and other topics are treated in Sartorial Heritage of Sarawak, a brief history starting in Niah Cave and taking the reader on an entertaining, informative journey up to the present. Styles and fashions came and went.
“Traders from faraway lands contributed their wares to the textiles produced by the indigenous population. The influence of distant empires and dynasties washed over Borneo, leaving traces here and there.
“Travellers brought back new ideas and skills, all of which were adopted and adapted by the skilled craftsmen and women of the region,” it said, explaining details of the book’s content.
It further added that the book also provides ample scope given to the traditional costumes of Sarawak’s indigenous people, but it also explained that the ‘town dwellers’ (a person who resides in a town) are included in this interesting study – with due respect given to the ‘Shaw Brothers’ films that introduced many new fashions during the 20th century.
The Sartorial Heritage of Sarawak and other aforementioned books are available for purchase by contacting Philip Munan at 01116053616 or email mucowbookscompany@gmail.com.
The book is available for purchase from Mucow Books Company, please call Philippa Munan on 01116053616 or email mucowbookscompany@gmail.com to secure your copy today.
