Sarawak Energy committed to preserving, promoting state’s cultural heritage
KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Berhad’s partners in cultural heritage, Warisan Sape Telang Usan from Baram and artisans from Murum, showcased their music and crafts at the recentlyconcluded Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2018 for the second year running with the corporation’s sponsorship.
Talented eight-member troupe Warisan Sape Telang Usan enchanted audiences with ‘sape’ performances at daily pop-up sessions and music workshops with receptive audiences joining them in traditional dances.
The youngest member of the group, Calvin Ayan Desmond was delighted at the opportunity to perform in front of an international audience for the second time after his maiden performance at the festival last year.
“I have been looking forward to performing at this big festival again to show what I learned throughout my training. I feel that our performance was wellreceived by the audience,” said the 14-year-old.
On the crafts side, four artisans from the Penan community of Murum Resettlement Area displayed their handicraft at the Rainforest World Craft Bazaar – a fringe event held within the festival grounds – and were able to sell over 400 pieces of their crafts.
Made from natural material like rattan, their ‘gawung’ and ‘ajat’ baskets as well as ‘pakah’ headgear and ‘ba’sah’ bangles were among popular souvenir items purchased by festivalgoers.
Also on display were modern craft innovations including contemporary tote bags and men’s briefcases, placemats, platters and mats. The artisans also demonstrated their handicraft skills while picking up new design ideas from other exhibitors.
Artisan Serie Ngau, 21, from Long Malim, Murum said participating in her first international event was eye-opening, allowing her to see handicrafts and culture from countries she had only seen on television previously.
“It is so interesting and exciting to see the different cultures, faces and music from all over the world,” she said.
Sarawak Energy’s executive vice president for Corporate Services Aisah Eden said as a gold sponsor of the event, the corporation was able to support their partner communities to showcase their culture and heritage at the internationally acclaimed music festival.
“We are committed to working with communities on initiatives that preserve and promote the state’s indigenous cultural heritage. This festival provides an additional platform to showcase the successful results of our joint cultural initiatives,” she said.