LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
Search Filters : 431
ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA KAUM IBAN: ADAT MENDIRIKAN RUMAH LAMIN
<p>Rumah Lamin, also known as the Longhouse, is built in a rectangular shape with a length of up to 300 meters and a width of up to 25 meters. This longhouse is constructed facing a nearby river. It consists of multiple connected houses, each owned by a different family. The interior of each unit is divided into two main sections: a private area providing space for sleeping and a kitchen, and an open area with a ruai or veranda. Each family’s unit is separated by walls, establishing personal space and social boundaries for each family occupying the unit. Additionally, a main door is located at the front of the house, allowing easy access to the private areas within. Surrounding the longhouse are large statues made of wood, which are specially crafted by the Iban for ritual offerings to their ancestors.</p> ...
- 1
- -
- 1223
TARIAN MASRI KERCING
<p>The Masri Kercing Dance is a traditional Malay dance originating from Malaysia, often performed during celebrations or official events. This dance is closely associated with the Malay communities in Selangor and some areas in Pahang. The Masri Kercing Dance is known for its graceful, joyful, and harmonious movements. The term "Masri" refers to a traditional Malay dance created for entertainment purposes and to accompany traditional music.</p><p><br></p><p>Masri Kercing is a variation of the Masri dance, differing in style and movements. The word "Kercing" refers to the spinning and running foot movements characteristic of this dance. It is more dynamic and energetic compared to the more relaxed traditional Masri dance. This dance is typically performed by a group of dancers dressed in traditional attire, communicating through coordinated foot and hand movements.</p><p><br></p><p>The main movements in the Masri Kercing Dance involve quick and spinning footwork, reflecting the rhythm of the accompanying music. Dancers often move in circular formations, showcasing harmony among the performers. The dance emphasizes smooth and organized body movements, with hands raised or gesturing in sync with the rhythm.</p><div><br></div> ...
- 0
- -
- 1313
AWANG BATIL
<p>Awang Batil is a Perlis art of musical storytelling. This art is performed by a narrator, the penglipur lara, known as Awang Batil. He narrates stories while tapping a bronze pot (made to store water). The tapping is the background music of the narration.</p><p><br></p><p>Initially, Awang Batil was known as Awang Belanga because instead of tapping a pot, he did a belanga. However, the belanga was filled with coal, thus later it was replaced with a batil, a copper container. Back in the day, Awang Batil travelled through villages especially those having weddings to tell his stories. </p><div><br></div> ...
- 22
- 2626
LAYANG MAS PERLIS
<p>Layang Mas Dance is one of the traditional court dances originating from the state of Perlis. This dance holds a unique historical value, as it is believed to have been created during the period when Raja Perlis sent the Golden Flower Tribute (Ufti Bunga Emas) to the King of Siam, at a time when Perlis was under the suzerainty of the Siamese Kingdom. The tribute was delivered by elephant, and during the journey, an elephant herder known as Tuk Jambul, together with his companion Ecan, composed a song titled Layang Mas.</p><p><br></p><p>Upon returning from Siam, the two men created a dance performance inspired by the song, and thus the Layang Mas Dance was born. It later became part of the Terinai dance repertoire—a well-known form of royal court dance recognized for its graceful and symbolic movements.</p><p><br></p><p>The movements of the Layang Mas Dance highlight the beauty of flowing hand gestures, soft turns, and coordinated shoulder and hip movements. A long scarf, or selendang, is tied around the waist and held between the thumb and index finger, creating the illusion of a bird in flight. This captivating visual enhances the symbolism of gentleness, nobility, and feminine elegance, which is why this dance is performed exclusively by female dancers.</p><div><br></div> ...
- 5
- 2767
KUIH CHANG NYONYA
<p>Kuih Chang Nyonya is a traditional delicacy of the Baba Nyonya community, especially popular in Melaka and Penang. This delicacy is also known as Nyonya Chang or Zongzi in Chinese culture. Kuih Chang is a type of glutinous rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves and cooked by steaming or boiling.</p><p><br></p><p>Kuih Chang originates from Chinese traditions, specifically the Duan Wu Jie (Dumpling Festival or Dragon Boat Festival). This festival commemorates a patriotic Chinese figure named Qu Yuan, a poet and minister from ancient times. Kuih Chang was introduced to the Baba Nyonya community when the Chinese migrated to Malaya. Over time, it was adapted to local tastes by the Baba Nyonya community, making it unique with a fusion of Chinese and Malay culinary elements.</p><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div>Characteristics of Kuih Chang Nyonya</div><div>Kuih Chang Nyonya differs from traditional Chinese Chang due to the unique ingredients and techniques that tailor the dumpling to the taste preferences of the Peranakan community. Some distinctive features of Kuih Chang Nyonya are:</div><div>1.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Blue-Colored Glutinous Rice</div><div>o<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>The rice is often dyed with butterfly pea flower (bunga telang), which provides a natural blue color.</div><div>o<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Typically, only part of the glutinous rice is dyed blue to create an attractive pattern.</div><div>2.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Sweet and Spicy Filling</div><div>o<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>The filling of Kuih Chang Nyonya is made from minced pork or chicken, peanuts, and flavoring ingredients such as spices, palm sugar, and grated coconut.</div><div>o<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Special Baba Nyonya spices like candlenut (buah keluak) or coriander are often added for a distinctive aroma.</div><div>3.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Bamboo Leaves as Wrapping</div><div>o<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Kuih Chang Nyonya is meticulously wrapped in a small pyramid shape using bamboo leaves, similar to traditional Chang.</div></div><div><br></div> ...
- 1
- -
- 1975
MEE WANTAN
<p>Wantan noodles, also known as wantan mee, is a type of noodle dish that is based on Chinese tradition and originates from southern China, especially the Cantonese region. The history of mee wantan in Malaysia begins with the mass migration of the Chinese community, especially from the Cantonese and Hakka people, who came to Malaya in the 19th century during the British occupation. These immigrants worked as tin miners and traders, while bringing with them their culture, customs, and traditional cuisine, including wantan noodles.</p><p><br></p><p>Mee wantan became popular in Malaysia because it suits the local palate who love noodle dishes. Traditional wantan noodles use delicate egg noodles served with light soup or thick soy sauce, and accompanied by dumplings (wantan) filled with meat or shrimp. Along with the changing times and the development of tastes in Malaysia, this dish has experienced several adaptations, especially among the Muslim community. Halal versions that use chicken or seafood are now increasingly popular, especially in Muslim Chinese restaurants. Currently, mee wantan has become one of the favorite dishes of various races in Malaysia and can be found in various restaurants, stalls, and kopitiams throughout the country.</p><div><br></div> ...
- 1
- -
- 2148
RENDANG PUCUK UBI
<p>Rendang Pucuk Ubi (cassava young leaves/shoot) is an important feature of Negeri Sembilan traditional dishes. In general, the main ingredients of rendang dishes in other parts of Malaysia are chicken, beef or duck. But in Negeri Sembilan, the ingredient is the young cassava leaves that accentuates the flavour, making it a very mouthwatering traditional appetizer.</p><p> </p><p>Rendang pucuk ubi is customarily eaten with white rice. It can be stored long if kept in airtight containers in refrigerators.</p><div><br></div> ...
- 19
- 870
ALAT MUZIK SOMPOTON
<p>Sompoton is one of the unique and famous traditional musical instruments among the Kadazan-Dusun ethnic group in Sabah. It belongs to the aerophone category, which produces sound by blowing air. Sompoton is similar to the Bagpipe musical instrument, but in a form and way of playing that suits the local tradition. It is made of bamboo and gourd, which is the main resonator to produce a special harmonic sound.</p><p><br></p><p>Based on local history, the origin of Sompoton is believed to come from Tikolod Village in Tambunan district and its residents are said to have special skills in producing this musical instrument. However, this traditional musical instrument is now getting more and more attention among traditional musicians and can be found anywhere, especially in the west coast areas of Sabah.</p><p><br></p><p>The Sompoton structure consists of 8 Sumbililing sticks (small bamboo), of which 4 sticks refer to the 'Long Raft' with three different length sizes, and the other 4 are 'Short Raft', which have the same size. These long rafts and short rafts are arranged around the Kurobu (dried water gourd). Each reed is pierced with holes to control tone, and one of them serves as the main air channel. Air is blown in through the mouth into a water gourd that is dried and then channelled to the small reeds to produce sound. The sound produced by Sompoton is melodious with a rhythm that is often associated with festive atmosphere, religious rituals, and social events.</p><p><br></p><p>Traditionally, Sompoton is played during traditional ceremonies and celebrations, such as harvest festival celebrations, which are crucial in Kadazan-Dusun culture. This musical instrument not only serves as entertainment but also as a symbol of respect for the universe and the spirits of their ancestors. Although its use is synonymous with traditional ceremonies, Sompoton is now increasingly finding a place in modern and contemporary music performances to promote Sabah's traditional musical heritage.</p><div><br></div> ...
- 2
- -
- 7229
ADAT MENYAMBUT MENANTU PEREMPUAN
<p>The phrase 'welcoming daughter-in-law' comes from the actions of some women who are representatives of the groom's side who come to pick up the bride after the newlyweds have been at the bride's house for a few days. </p><p><br></p><p>The term welcoming the daughter-in-law means welcoming the presence of the bride into the family as a new member. This custom is generally done in private in accordance with Islamic teachings, and only involves close family members. The ceremony begins with a prayer of thanksgiving followed by a meal served to the bride's family.</p><div><br></div> ...
- 0
- -
- 2477
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> ...
- 4
- 3150
MUZIK CAKLEMPONG
<p>Caklempong is folk music of the Minangkabau community. It was brought to Malaya by the Minangkabaus of the West Sumatra, Indonesia, who settled in Negeri Sembilan in the 14th century. </p><p><br></p><p>In the Minangkabau dialect, caklempong is taklempong, a traditional musical instrument from the idiophone family that uses a diatonic scale. 'Cak' is the sound of the drumbeats while 'lempong' is the sound of the bonang (gong) beats.</p><p><br></p><p>In the past, caklempong was so important that apart from entertaining, it captured the audience so profoundly that they became united, benefitting the community at large.</p><p><br></p><p> </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>To begin with, there were five caklempong tones: do, re, mi, so and la. However, in 1970, the caklempong was developed into six tones: do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, and do.</p><div><br></div> ...
- 26
- 3806
TARIAN ULE NUGAN
<p>The Tarian Ule Nugan is inspired by the activities involved in rice planting among the Orang Ulu community in Sarawak. It is a routine for the Orang Ulu people to prepare early in the morning before embarking on a journey by boat to their rice fields. Thus, male dancers in this performance usually carry a piece of wood resembling a penugal stick, commonly used for planting rice in highland areas.</p><p><br></p><p>During the rice planting process, while the men use the penugal stick, the women would strike the kerebo bulo, creating rhythmic sounds to ward off bad omens associated with certain bird calls. According to Orang Ulu legends, the sound produced by the kerebo bulo also serves to encourage and inspire the rice’s spirit to grow healthily and yield a good harvest. Beliefs, omens, and signs hold significant meaning in their daily lives as an agrarian society.</p><p><br></p><p>Throughout the rice planting process, the Orang Ulu community helps one another with the task while socializing and sharing laughter to alleviate the exhaustion of work. The men also engage in hunting using blowpipes to gather food to bring back home. With all the daily activities of rice planting carried out successfully, the Orang Ulu farmers return home filled with joy and gratitude.</p><div><br></div> ...
- 1
- -
- 1227