Malaysia - NN Gallery in association with the National Culture and Arts Department of the Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry presents “Warisan Seni — Anyaman Mengkuang” an exhibition of the traditional Malay art of mengkuang tapestry.
On display until Sept 21 are mengkuang handicrafts of Ismail Salleh from Kelantan.
Mengkuang weaving is deeply rooted in Malay culture and is indigenous to Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Traditionally the work of women performed after the harvesting of rice, it originated as a pastime but slowly developed into a sophisticated art form. Mats, including prayer mats, were the items commonly made and their patterns are inspired by nature.
In fact, the names of various weavings pay homage to nature and they include Bunga Melur (Jasmine Flower), Tapak Harimau (Tiger‘s Footprint), Bunga Cengkih (Cloves), Kepala Lalat (Fly Head), Sisik Ikan (Fish Scales) and Bunga Teratai (Lotus Flower).
Patterns in the art works are also named after individuals, as in the case of Kelarai Mok Mek (Mok Semek‘s Pattern) or events, as in the case of Kisar Mengiri (Leftward Grinding Of Rice).
Ismail, affectionately known as Cikgu Seni (Teacher of Crafts), has been attracted to mengkuang weaving from a young age. He mastered the art in the 1970s and created his own patterns. Today, he is a highly respected guru in his traditional craft.
Ismail, a man in a female-dominated craft, has mastered more than 70 weaving designs and has also translated traditional songket designs into mengkuang weaving.
The mengkuang works that Ismail has created are an enchanting documentation of this traditional art.
His works come with names such as Beras Patah, Tampuk Pinang Berantai, Che Kedah, Siku Keluang Bunga, Empat Sebilik and Titi Hujan.
Ismail says that traditional crafts would not be able to survive unless they are taught in schools and colleges.
Venue: NN Gallery in Jalan Sulaiman 1, Taman Ampang Hilir in Ampang, Selangor. Time: 9am to 6pm (except Sundays). Call 03-4270-6588.
Source: www.nst.com.my (3 September 2007)
