LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
Search Filters : 423
UBI TELAMPONG/KEBABAN
<p>Ubi Telampong is a traditional heritage dish from the state of Kedah, particularly popular in the districts of Jitra, Kubang Pasu, Jerlun, and Bukit Kayu Hitam. This dish is made from simple local ingredients, primarily cassava and sugarcane juice. Its traditional cooking method makes it unique, requiring the cassava to be slowly simmered in sugarcane juice for five to eight hours over a continuous wood fire.</p><p><br></p><p>Traditional tools used in the preparation include a large cauldron, firewood, a wooden spatula (code), and a kelongsong jut—a kind of casing made from bemoan leaves, young rattan, or bamboo trays (Cymru). If bemban leaves are used, they must be soaked in water beforehand to prevent them from drying out and curling during use.</p><p>Once peeled, the cassava must be immediately soaked in water to avoid going stale (masuk angin), which can affect its taste and texture. The cooking process demands great care and patience—not only because it takes several hours but also because the cook has to endure the stinging smoke from the wood fire.</p><div><div>During the long cooking process, the sugarcane juice reduces into a thick syrup similar to molasses, which seeps into the cassava, creating a naturally sweet and distinctive flavour. To enhance the aroma, the firewood used isn't limited to rubber wood; mangosteen wood is also favoured for the pleasant fragrance it releases when burned. On the other hand, Rambutan wood is often used to maintain a steady, long-lasting ember, ensuring a more consistent cooking process.</div><div><br></div><div>In essence, Ubi Telampong is more than just a traditional delicacy for the people of Kedah—it is a cultural symbol of agrarian life, local wisdom, and the culinary heritage of the Kedahan community that deserves preservation.</div></div><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN SI TUBAU
<p>Si Tubau is a traditional dance of the Iranun ethnic community in Sabah, who predominantly reside in the districts of Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, and Tuaran. The dance's name originates from the term "Tubau," which refers to woven cloth—a textile art that holds significant cultural value and serves as a source of pride for the Iranun people. This woven cloth is fashioned into various garments, including shirts, skirts, towels, sashes, and trousers. The term "Si Tubau" specifically alludes to Si Tukang Tenun, or the master weaver, an individual highly skilled in the art of weaving this traditional fabric. Consequently, the dance's movements are designed to emulate the motions of weaving cloth.</p> ...
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ZAPIN ARAB DANCE
<p>Arab Zapin, also referred to as zaffin, is the original form of the zapin dance brought to the Malay Archipelago by Arab traders and missionaries from Hadramaut, Yemen, during the 15th and 16th centuries. Initially, this dance was performed as court entertainment and served as a medium for Islamic proselytisation (dakwah). Arab Zapin is characterised by swift and simple footwork, strongly influenced by Arab culture. It is an integral part of the gambus (lute) traditions of Arab communities in Malaysia. This gambus-centred tradition includes zaffin, sarah, and samrah, typically beginning with a melodic improvisation known as Taqsim or Taqasim, performed on the gambus.</p><div><br></div> ...
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA KAUM BAJAU: ADAT DAN PANTANG LARANG KEMATIAN
<p>The district of Semporna, located in eastern Sabah, is one of the areas rich in diverse and unique cultures and traditions that have been preserved to this day. The majority of the ethnic group residing in this district is the Bajau people, who possess a distinct identity compared to the Bajau community on Sabah's west coast, particularly regarding dialect, language nuances, and traditional customs. This diversity reflects Sabah's rich cultural heritage, making each district unique.</p><p><br></p><p>One of the customs and cultural practices of the Semporna community that draws attention is their funeral rituals. While essential Islamic obligations such as bathing the deceased, shrouding, and burial are performed by Islamic teachings, traditional cultural elements are still evident through the customs and taboos observed. For example, there are specific beliefs concerning the soul of the deceased and particular practices performed by the family as a final tribute.</p><p><br></p><p>These customs showcase the community's deep connection with its beliefs and illustrate how elements of religion and tradition can blend harmoniously, fostering a sense of unity. In an increasingly modern society, preserving such customs is crucial to maintaining the cultural heritage that enriches the ethnic identity.</p><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN SABA’
<p>Tarian Saba’ was a dance and singing performance associated with disease outbreaks suffered by the Terengganu Malays the past three centuries. The dance was used to heal those illnesses. The healing was started by a female shaman named Che Mek Comot around 1718 in Kampung Kuala Jengal, Dungun, Terengganu.</p><p><br></p><p>In those days, the practice of healing was almost theatrical, where the shaman would call and appeal to the deity at the beginning of the ritual. The deity-calling was carried out to ensure the treatment would run smoothly. A small coconut tree, the sabak (saba'), was carved for the deity calling and the dance began from this tree. The tree portrayed a flower garden in in the spiritual world. </p><p><br></p><p>Most of the time the shaman conducted the rituals at night, taking one to three nights in a row. It was also performed in a special selected room (of the house). Thirty-three songs were sung in the dance, five of them were: Anak Burung Baniong, Dewa Awan, Muda Di Awan, Nur Sakti, Anak Tedung and Anak Udang.</p><div><br></div> ...
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ISTIADAT PEMEGANG PUSAKA ADAT BUAPAK SUKU MUNGKAL SRI PILAH PERUT KIRI LUAK ULU MUAR
<p>The Istiadat Pemegang Pusaka Adat Buapak Suku Mungkal Sri Pilah Perut Kiri</p><p>Luak Ulu Muar is one of the significant legacies within the governance and kinship</p><p>system of the Adat Perpatih community in Negeri Sembilan. The Adat Perpatih</p><p>practiced has deep historical roots, originating from the Minangkabau culture,</p><p>which began migrating and settling in the region as early as the 12th century AD.</p><p>Chronologically, the Adat Perpatih predates the Common Law system, which only</p><p>emerged around 1066 AD in Europe.</p><p>As a matrilineal system, Adat Perpatih traces lineage through the maternal line,</p><p>forming the basis of inheritance and social groupings. The Adat Perpatih</p><p>community is organized into several main kinship groups known as suku (clans),</p><p>which are further subdivided into perut (subclans), ruang (lineages), and smaller</p><p>family units called rumpun (sublineages). Each group is led by its respective</p><p>customary leader:</p><p> Kodim – head of the sublineage (rumpun);</p><p> Besar – head of the lineage (ruang);</p><p> Buapak – head of the subclan (perut);</p><p> Lembaga – head of the clan (suku).</p><p>Within this hierarchy, the Buapak plays a vital role as the leader of the perut, a</p><p>subclan consisting of individuals descending from the same female ancestor. The</p><p>selection of the Buapak is conducted through mutual consensus among the</p><p>members of the perut, and his primary responsibilities include administering</p><p>customary affairs related to marriage, divorce, circumcision, hair-cutting</p><p>ceremonies, and other family matters. The authority of the Buapak is limited to his</p><p>perut, unlike the Lembaga, which oversees the entire clan.</p><p>Over time, the customs and rituals surrounding the selection of the Buapak have</p><p>remained a symbol of social structure preservation and the continuity of the Suku</p><p>Mungkal’s traditions under the governance of Luak Ulu Muar, Sri Pilah. Specifically,</p><p>within Luak Ulu Muar, this ceremony has been practiced since the 16th century,</p><p>reflecting the consolidation of the Adat Perpatih system in Negeri Sembilan as</p><p>adapted from Minangkabau cultural influences.</p><p>In addition to the Buapak, the institution of Ibu Soko also plays an important role,</p><p>particularly among women. The Ibu Soko is responsible for continuing the maternal</p><p>lineage, ensuring the well-being of the women within the perut, and serving as a</p><p>reference point in matters of custom and religion.</p><p>Overall, the existence of the Buapak institution in the Suku Mungkal not only</p><p>illustrates the continuity of tradition but also reflects the local wisdom of the Negeri</p><p>Sembilan community in preserving its unique cultural identity to this day.</p> ...
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LAKSA PENANG
<p>Laksa is a type of noodle soup that is delicious and healthy, as it is rich in protein. With just one sip, the laksa broth provides a taste of fish richness, spiciness, sourness, and sweetness, enhanced by the fragrant aroma of torch ginger and laksa leaves. The chewy and soft rice noodles complete the dish with a source of carbohydrates. This is why laksa is considered a healthy food, compared to other noodle dishes.</p><p><br></p><p>Laksa is a dish that originated from the Peranakan community. It is believed to have been brought to Malaya by traders around the 15th century, and the dish began to adapt to Malay society through the intermarriage of Chinese men and Malay women. Since then, laksa has become increasingly popular. However, when Chinese traders first introduced this dish, laksa noodles were eaten with plain broth. It was when Malay women became the wives of these traders that laksa was modified to suit local tastes.</p><p><br></p><p>The name "laksa" itself is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "ten thousand." The term "ten thousand" refers to the variety of ingredients added to create laksa. The famous Penang Laksa, known for its diverse flavors in the broth, is served with slices of cucumber, salad leaves, eggs, lime, shrimp paste (petis), and bird's eye chili. In some areas around Penang, laksa is served with slices of pineapple and mint leaves. These ingredients make the laksa even more delicious and healthy. Due to its uniqueness and completeness, Penang Laksa is the only Malaysian dish ranked seventh in CNN's 50 Best Foods in the World, due to its well-balanced nutrients and delicious taste.</p><p><br></p><p>The basic ingredients are the same as other laksas in Malaysia. Uniquely, Penang Laksa uses noodles made from either wheat flour or rice flour. To enhance its flavor, shrimp paste or shrimp brain extract is mixed or enjoyed with the mackerel fish broth and other types of fish as additional seasonings.</p><div><br></div> ...
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MUZIK TUMBUK KALANG
<p>Tumbuk Kalang is an extraordinary heritage music of Negeri Sembilan. It used to be a popular folk game in Tampin, Inas, Gunung Pasir and Rembau, Negeri Sembilan. </p><p><br></p><p>Tumbuk means pound (or thump), thus the name of the music. In particular, the music uniquely comes from the rhythmic sound when the farmers pound the paddy grain to get rice. During the harvest season, after working hard in the day, the farmers gather on the moonlit night to pound the paddy grain. The pounding of the grain in wooden mortars produce enjoyable rhythmic thumps. The thumping sounds, resonating far in the night, tranquillizingly, helps the hard work of farming turn into a fun game with unusual music. Along, their favourite songs such as Tumbuk Emping, Kuda Berontak, Petang-petang and Gogar Babang are rhymed.</p><div><br></div> ...
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NYANYIAN BERPANTUN ‘ISUN-ISUN’
<p>Isun-isun is an art of poetic rhyming, accompanid by violins. Its rhymes are expressed fascinatingly in four sentences; the first two sentences are the hints, while the last two, the meaning. Performed along beautiful sounds of violins, the Bajau Sama and Iranun in Kota Belud take pleasure in it at weddings, birth of babies and vow ceremonies.</p> ...
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TARIAN TINGKAH TALU
<p>Tingkah Talu, or its full name, Jepin Tingkah Talu Ulun Pagun, is a traditional dance passed down by the Tidung ethnic from the Tawau district, encompassing areas such as Kalabakan, Merotai, Bum Balai, Sebatik, and several regions around Sandakan and Beluran (Sugut). Tingkah Talu means "Three Steps" and originates in Kampung Mentadak, Sebatik Island. It is a dance rooted in the zapin tradition. Historically, this dance originates from the influence of Arab-Persian culture, introduced through intermarriages between Arabs and the Tidung ethnic during the global spread of Islam. Consequently, the style of this performance closely resembles the traditional form of zapin dances. The basic structure of this dance typically begins with Taqsim, accompanied by a solo gambus performance, and concludes with Wainab.</p> ...
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