Craftsmen disappearing due to emergence of technology
KUCHING: Craftsmen with specialised traditional skills are fast disappearing all over the country due to the emergence of technology and new production methods as well as a lack of interest in acquiring the skills.
There are only a handful of skilled craftsmen left in the country now.
Admitting that practitioners of traditional skills risked being the last of their kind, public relations trainee Marc Stingray of Sarawak Museum Department here said the key obstacle was transferring the skills and knowledge to others.
“The younger generation is no longer interested in learning the essential aspects of making things by hand, with tools and techniques often unchanged for centuries,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday at a video presentation by the Museum Department on ‘Folk Art, the Malaysian Heritage’ at its Bilik Niah.
The video presentation aimed to show the beauty of many traditional crafts that can be found around Malaysia.
“By showing the video to the public, we hope to raise awareness on the importance and uniqueness of our cultural heritage assets, so that people will understand the value of these old skills,” he said.
“At the same time, we hope it will attract the interest of young people so that they are willing to devote themselves to these disappearing craftsmenship,” Marc added.
The presentation covered rural crafts of ironsmith (Pandai Besi), fine carving and Sarawak blowpipes.
According to Mark, the term ‘Pandai Besi’ which translates loosely as someone skilled in ironwork is a recognition of the contribution of talented craftsmen and artisans in the industry.
The skilled work of a ‘Pandai Besi’ or ironsmith is predominantly seen in the making of various traditional weapons such as ‘keris’, ‘klewang chalung’, ‘parang’, sword as well as items for domestic use.
The artistic work of an ironsmith is displayed through its various tools, traditional design, decoration and skillful techniques in making the Malay weaponry.
The art of carving the embellished Malay weaponry, on the other hand, demonstrates
The younger generation is no longer interested in learning the essential aspects of making things by hand, with tools and techniques often unchanged for centuries. Marc Stingray, Sarawak Museum Department public relations trainee
the intricate skill of the Malay craftsmen.
Fine carving inscribed on the hilt sheath of a ‘keris’ express its history and illustrate the philosophical value of a weapon.
To produce good carving, a carver should possess the skill to concentrate and work cautiously, apart from knowledge about various wood types.
Sarawak blowpipes are weapons used by the Penans for hunting.
It is made from a single length of straight-grain hardwood called ‘Belian’.
Making blowpipe is a laborious process, which requires a great deal of patience and knowledge.
Marc stressed that documenting all these crafts were vital while there was still access to the information since the people who practiced and worked in these crafts were still around.
“We also intend to promote traditional skills and crafts in schools so that the younger generation can learn to appreciate such skills as many are rarely seen in the urban setting now,” he said.