LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
Search Filters : 423
KOMPANG (PERAK)
<p>The Kompang is a percussion instrument categorized as a membranophone, specifically a single-headed drum. It is believed to have originated from the Middle East, as evidenced by the Arabic lyrics often sung during its performance, which serve to deliver praises and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).</p><div><br></div><div><div>The history of the Kompang in the Malay Peninsula is believed to date back to the 14th century during the Malacca Sultanate era. It was introduced by Indian Muslim traders as a form of entertainment and a signal marking the arrival of their ships in the Straits of Malacca. The Kompang was then performed as a gift and a special presentation to the Sultan, symbolizing their presence in Malacca at the time. Another historical account suggests that Kompang music was brought by communities from Java who sailed to Johor in the 13th century. From there, it spread throughout the Malay Archipelago, including Perak, where it became a performance art presented to the Sultan. Over time, the Kompang tradition was taught to palace officials and eventually introduced to the general public.</div><div>In the state of Perak, Kompang performances play a vital role as part of the state's intangible cultural heritage. It is actively performed at events such as weddings, processions, and religious ceremonies. The instrument holds particular significance in districts such as Kuala Kangsar and Bagan Datoh, where many Kompang players come from, having inherited the tradition from their ancestors.</div><div>Efforts to preserve Kompang performances in Perak remain robust, driven by cultural associations and educational institutions committed to keeping this traditional art form relevant in the face of modernization. Recognized as intangible heritage under the National Heritage Act (2005), Perak's Kompang serves as a living testament to the richness of Malay tradition and artistic heritage that continues to be celebrated in the state.</div></div><div><br></div> ...
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- 9953
KUIH LOYANG
<p>Kuih Loyang, also known as Kuih Ros, Kuih Bunga Durian, Kuih Cap, and Kuih Goyang, is a traditional Malaysian snack. In the district of Padang Terap, Kedah, this delicacy is referred to as Kuih Goyang. This name originates from the process of making it: after the mold is dipped into a thin flour batter, it is then dipped into hot oil and shaken until the batter detaches from the mold into the hot oil.</p> ...
- 1
- 1902
DATO’ SYED AHMAD JAMAL (SENIMAN NEGARA KE-2)
<p>Dato' Syed Ahmad bin Syed Jamal, born on 19 September 1929 in Bandar Maharani, Muar, Johor, is a distinguished figure in Malaysian art. He received his early education at Sekolah Tambatan Rendah and Sekolah Tambatan Tinggi, followed by Ngee Heng English School, Bukit Zahrah English School, and later at English College, Johor Bahru. He married Datin Hamidah Mohd Noor and had two sons.</p><p>Widely regarded as a pioneer of abstract expressionism in Malaysia, Syed Ahmad Jamal excelled in multiple roles, including artist, art educator, arts administrator, writer, and cultural observer. His contributions over four decades profoundly shaped the development of modern art in the country.</p><div><br></div> ...
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- 14066
DONDANG SAYANG
<p><span id="docs-internal-guid-4e1d4914-7fff-0c4d-ec61-85898821bcdd"><span style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; border-color: initial; overflow: hidden; width: 539px; height: 306px;"><img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcTt_-HK1v3ETF3Dsa9AK9w9IgB-Ts6BpzwCjBHmxMSCnEY2d3eKNMw_SyHRl1HvefnYEN3ul6oV4wKBTFWS2Deb91HncpCdGxXiui89RIAV0nVXGdca6mldhQIIo3OM8Ifx6NRQN8FrzGG1o9PZvs?key=_cjn96fqh7otXPVc7PS8Qw" width="539" height="358.2634758581932" style="margin-left:0px;margin-top:-26.131737929096612px;"></span></span></p><p>Photo 1: Dondang Sayang Performance</p><p>Source: Department of National Heritage</p><p>Dondang Sayang is a cherished traditional Malay performing art that continues to thrive among the Malay, Baba Nyonya, Chetti, and Portuguese communities of Melaka. The term “dondang” denotes the act of entertaining, while “sayang” connotes love or affection—thus, Dondang Sayang may be loosely translated as “songs of love.” This unique art form interweaves melodious antiphonal singing with poetic quatrains known as pantun, typically performed in a call-and-response format between a male and female vocalist.</p><p>Historically, Dondang Sayang is believed to have its roots in the royal court traditions of the Melaka Sultanate during the 15th century. It was originally a form of praise and poetic homage, performed to honour the grandeur of the sultan and to welcome visiting foreign dignitaries. After the fall of the sultanate, the tradition was preserved by aristocrats and cultural enthusiasts who upheld its artistic and poetic spirit. Over time, it evolved into a community-based folk tradition, becoming a staple form of entertainment at weddings, social gatherings, and public festivals.</p><p>A popular folktale surrounding the rise of Dondang Sayang tells of a figure named Wan Benai, who is said to have serenaded Sang Nila Utama with poetic verses of love and longing in the Dondang Sayang style during a picnic at Tanjung Bemban. The performance, accompanied by nobles and their wives, attracted the attention of nearby villagers, who began to join in by echoing the rhythm and singing in response. This communal participation is said to have played a pivotal role in popularising the art form among the masses.</p><p>Beyond entertainment, Dondang Sayang also functions as a form of lyrical balladry, expressing themes of affection, yearning, social commentary, or humour. The core of the performance lies in the singers’ wit, poetic agility, and improvisational skill, as they craft and respond to pantun in real time. This makes Dondang Sayang not only an aesthetic performance but also an intellectually stimulating oral tradition.</p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-4e1d4914-7fff-0c4d-ec61-85898821bcdd"><span style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; border-color: initial; overflow: hidden; width: 539px; height: 306px;"></span></span></p><p>Today, Dondang Sayang is recognised as an important element of Malaysia’s intangible cultural heritage. It is regularly featured at weddings, cultural festivals, tourism events, and formal gatherings. Various cultural institutions and heritage bodies continue to organise training programmes and competitions to ensure its transmission to younger generations. In recognition of its cultural significance, UNESCO inscribed Dondang Sayang onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 29 November 2018. In Malaysia, the Department of National Heritage identifies four main regional styles: Dondang Sayang Melaka, Dondang Sayang Baba Peranakan, Dondang Sayang Tanjung Penyengat, and Dondang Sayang Pulau Pinang.</p><div><br></div> ...
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- 9970
ARANG TAWAK
<p>Arang Tawak is a traditional dance of the Lundayeh ethnic community, primarily found in the Sipitang district and the interior region of Long Pasia in Sabah. Recognised as a warrior dance, it embodies the bravery and heroic spirit of Lundayeh men in defending their community or triumphing over enemies during intertribal conflicts.</p><p>The performance begins with the resonant sound of gongs reverberating throughout the village, heralding the warriors' return. Women dancers gracefully initiate the dance as a gesture of welcome, followed by the warriors, who join in with dynamic, heroic movements that symbolise victory and courage.</p><div><br></div> ...
- 3
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- 1806
CHAR KUETIAU
<p>Char Kuetiau (also spelled kway teow), chao guotiao (Mandarin dialect), or chau gwai diu (Cantonese dialect) means stir-fried flat noodles. Kuetiau noodles are made from a type of noodle called kuetiau, which is white, soft, flat, and about one centimeter wide. They are stir-fried over high heat with soy sauce, chili, prawns, cockles, eggs, bean sprouts, and Chinese chives.</p><p>Sometimes, slices of Chinese sausage, fish cakes, or other ingredients are added according to local tastes. There are various versions of this dish, including adding duck eggs to enhance the flavor or crab meat to increase the sweetness of the dish.</p><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div>According to stories from the past, when this dish was created, its main target was laborers. Its high fat content and low cost made it popular among workers as a source of energy and nutrients to sustain them through physically demanding tasks each day. At that time, the dish was often sold by fishermen, farmers, and cockle gatherers in the evenings to supplement their income.</div><div>This dish is also believed to have become popular in Malaysia following the immigration of Chinese ethnic groups in the early 19th and 20th centuries.</div></div><div><br></div> ...
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- 1644
JOGET CAK KUN CAK
<p>Joget Cak Kun Cak is a traditional Malaysian dance that developed as a result of Malay cultural influences combined with external elements, such as Javanese and Portuguese performing arts. This dance falls under the genre of Joget, one of the most popular traditional dances in Malaysia, often performed during celebrations and festive occasions.</p><p><br></p><p>The history and origins of Joget Cak Kun Cak are believed to stem from variations of traditional Malay Joget dances that evolved during the colonial period. This dance was significantly influenced by Portuguese dance elements, such as Branyo, introduced by Portuguese traders and sailors in Melaka in the 16th century.</p><p><br></p><p>Joget Cak Kun Cak is named after the sounds produced by its accompanying music, particularly the percussion instruments that mimic the sounds "cak kun cak." This term also resembles the auditory patterns of traditional musical instruments, such as the rebana or gong, which are used to accompany the dance.</p><div><br></div> ...
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- 2057
TARIAN KADANDIU
<p>Kadandiu is a traditional dance of the Tidung ethnic community originating from the Tawau District, Sabah, especially in the Balung, Merotai and Kalabakan areas. This ethnic group also inhabits several districts in the Southeast region of Sabah, such as Beluran, Sandakan and Lahad Datu. Kadandiu, meaning 'my heart misses', is a dance inspired by the Batu Tinagat legend, which tells the story of Aki Bentawol and Dayang Dadalit, the youngest princess from heaven who came down to earth to bathe with her six siblings. This story begins when Aki Bentawol takes Dayang Dadalit's shawl, causing the princess to be unable to return to heaven.</p><p><br></p><p>It is also said that since Dayang Dadalit was on Aki Bentawol's land, the agricultural products, such as rice, were increasing, and thus Aki Bentawol decided to marry the princess. Then, they got married and were blessed with a child. However, after that, Princess Dayang Dadalit returned to heaven and left Aki Bentawol and their child, but she never came back to earth.</p><p><br></p><p>Because the legendary story inspires this dance, Kadandiu must be danced with a total of 7 female dancers and one male dancer, complete with golden attire in keeping with the image of a fairy princess as in the legend.</p><div><br></div> ...
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- 2226
TARIAN ZAPIN SINDANG
<p>Zapin Sindang originates from Kampung Sindang in Samarahan, Sarawak, and was founded by Encik Nawi, who was also from the same village. This dance features three distinct movement patterns: Ragam Sembah, Ragam Poko, and Waina Wailed or Waina Tahtim.</p><p><br></p><p>Accompanied by music with a zapin rhythm, this dance is believed to have originated in the Arab world and was introduced to Sarawak through Sambas and Serasan in Kalimantan, Indonesia. It is also thought to have played a role in the spread of Islam in Borneo.</p><div><br></div> ...
- 0
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- 1980
DODOL PAHANG
<p>Dodol is a type of traditional confectionery that requires hours of cooking, using ingredients commonly found in tropical regions, such as coconut milk and palm sugar. This delicacy symbolizes prosperity and abundance due to the time and effort required for its preparation. As a result, dodol has become a special dish for major events and important celebrations in local communities.</p><p><br></p><p>Dodol remains popular among the Malay community in Malaysia, particularly in states like Pahang. It is a highly favored traditional dish often served during festive occasions such as Hari Raya, weddings, and communal feasts.</p><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div>Characteristics of Pahang Dodol</div><div>Unique Taste and Texture: Pahang dodol is known for its softer and chewier texture. Its sweetness, enriched by palm sugar, gives it a richer and more complex flavor.</div><div>Use of Coconut Milk: Like other traditional dodol varieties, coconut milk is a key ingredient in Pahang dodol, providing a creamy texture and rich taste. This makes the dodol creamier and denser, unlike lighter varieties from other regions.</div><div>Use of Palm Sugar: Palm sugar is an essential ingredient in Pahang dodol, giving it a dark brown color and a more natural sweetness compared to white sugar. This also imparts a more aromatic and richer flavor to the dodol.</div><div>Traditional Cooking Process: Similar to dodol from other places, Pahang dodol requires a lengthy and meticulous cooking process. It is usually cooked in a large wok (known as a kawah) over a low flame for several hours while being constantly stirred to prevent sticking and burning. This process results in the chewy texture that is a hallmark of dodol.</div></div><div><br></div> ...
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