You are currently browsing the tag archive for the ‘Craft’ tag.
Mat-making is a skill known to every Borneo society. The rainforest abounds in suitable raw materials: reeds, leaves, barks or rinds. These ever-renewable fibres were fashioned into mats for everyday use; until the early 20th century few longhouse dwellers had furniture other than maybe a storage chest inside their family rooms. Sitting, eating, sleeping was done on the floor, on mats. Read the rest of this entry »
Kuching is a perfect destination for a traveller to start exploring Sarawak in Borneo, especially if you travel with children and are aware of responsible travel.
Kuching is a nice town offering a wide range of good museum – maybe among the best in Malaysia -, nice heritage buildings from the 19th century, wide and safe sidewalks that allow you to discover the place slowly – everything is at a walking distance – and the best sunset I have ever seen in Malaysia
Nature and wilderness – proboscis monkeys, orang-outan, turtles,birds, big spiders..- are easily accessible at less than one hour, as well as nice and quiet beaches. And no leeches waiting for your blood, that’s great!
The place offers also many opportunities to learn about the indigenous communities of Sarawak.
Check out the 2 posts we already published :
The Society Atelier, which conducts research and promotes the traditional craft of Sarawak, especially weaving. Now you can even have your lunch in the beautiful bungalow.
The Tun Jugah Fondation, Kuching, Sarawak : a must see museum for textile lovers especially for the indigenous ikat weaving of the Iban, called Pua Kumbu.
Check out our selection of useful links before I finish my writing about Kuching. Read the rest of this entry »
When asked 15 years ago about conservation efforts of historic Georgetown , Salma Khoo, director of Areca Books – a heritage and historical books publisher based in Penang – would answer, “What really matters to Penangites is food; they simply take their heritage for granted”.
In July 2008, international recognition was given to Penang when George Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site; completely transforming local perception. Melaka (Malacca) and George Town (GT) are jointly inscribed on the list as “The Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca [where] the influences of Asia and Europe have endowed the towns with a specific multicultural heritage that is both tangible and intangible. The two towns constitute a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia. Both towns bear testimony to a living multi-cultural heritage and tradition of Asia, where the many religions and cultures met and coexisted”.
This recognition is an essential milestone for the handful of Penangites who have strived for years for the preservation of the tangible and intangible heritage of GT. Read the rest of this entry »
Meet local artisans and craftspersons and support Georgetown’s intangible cultural heritage
One of my children’s favourite activities when we visit Asian cities is to watch artisans in their workshops. Most of the time we observe – after asking permission – and then we discuss the craft at hand with the craftsperson. We can easily spend one hour in a workshop. In George Town it is even possible to return home with an illustrated brochure to remind us of the craft process and the story of the craftsperson. These brochures have been designed and illustrated by some of GT’s students involved in the Anak-Anak Kota (children of the city) project undertaken by Arts-Ed in collaboration with Penang Heraitage Trust (PHT). These traditional trades – joss stick maker, signboard engraver, beaded shoes cobbler, goldsmith – are also located on the World Heritage Site Map of Georgetown (Areca book publisher).
STAY IN TOUCH with Gerai OA : Rockin’ For the Environment, EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECT
A two-day Arts, Music and Educational Fun Festival with a major focus on animal and environmental conservation awareness : Eco-Fair Bazaar, Environmental Talks, Adopt-an-Orang-Utan activities, Fun & Games for children, Gerai OA, Singer songwriter acoustic performances and more!
FREE entrance.
where: SoHoKL @ Solaris Mont Kiara
when: Sat & Sun, 18 & 19 April 2009
time: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m
More info on Gerai OA Facebook page
Responsible Tourism and Travel in Malaysia 