Exquisite Arts of Sarawak

The Malaysian state of Sarawak is home to 27 different tribes, who are renowned for their exquisite handicrafts.  These unique handicrafts are largely produced by labor-intensive methods handed down through generations and showcase the skills and cultural identity of these native tribes, for the artisans derive inspiration from their varied backgrounds to produce an assortment of patterns, motifs and designs.

The various beautiful Sarawak handicrafts take the form of woven textiles including the famed kain songket and its variations known as Iban pua kumbu and pua sungkit, Orang Ulu and Iban beadwork, batik textile art, keringkam embroidery, woodcarvings, basket-making, iron works, clay and pottery works. Most of these handicrafts have served both utilitarian and ceremonial purposes for these tribal folk down the ages.

Today, the existence of these traditional arts and crafts is threatened as the twin processes of modernization and industrialization, take root in Sarawak. For instance, previously when the tribal people felt the need for something, say an article of clothing, they wove it themselves or if they needed to store their bounty from the rainforest they made a basket, a jar or a wooden chest, but nowadays, they don’t need to create a product but can simply go to the marketplace and purchase a suitable, commercially produced item. Also, the younger generations do not want follow in the footsteps of their elders and would rather embrace technological advances in order to move up in life.

To prevent these traditional arts and crafts of Sarawak from disappearing completely, the Sarawak Economic Development council has set up a vibrant, arts and crafts center housed within an old colonial villa in Kuching. This arts center, Sarakraf, showcases the many endangered arts and crafts of Sarawak like Dayak woodcarving, kain songket weaving, basket weaving and much more.

Visitors, apart from viewing artisans at work can also take various classes to learn these traditional arts and crafts of Sarawak. The center is also equipped with a gift shop and a tribal restaurant onsite and offers a homestay program as well. All these various measures are aimed at preserving the many traditional arts and crafts of Sarawak.

When you visit Kuching next, do make it a point to visit Sarakraf, and do your bit to preserve the exquisite arts and crafts of Sarawak.