LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
Search Filters : 453
PAKAIAN TRADISIONAL LELAKI DAN WANITA ETNIK KAYAN
<p>The specialty of the Kayan in Sarawak lies in their tattooed long earlobes. The longer the earlobes, the more beautiful a Kayan lady is. To achieve these long earlobes, she wears weighted earrings made out of tin, known as sabau and lungin. </p><p><br></p><p>While the men pierce the top and bottoms of their ears, and wear bear teeth woven with beads known as udeng. </p><div><br></div> ...
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MASAK LEMAK CILI API TELUR ITIK DAN BELIMBING BULUH
<p>Negeri Sembilan, also known as Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus, is a state located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The people of Negeri Sembilan are originally from the Minangkabau tribe in West Sumatra, Indonesia, who started migrating here in the 14th century. This community group then settled in nine areas of Johol, Jelebu, Klang, Sungei Ujong, Naning, Rembau, Jelai, Segamat, and Pasir Besar, which then formed a federation known as Negeri Sembilan.</p><p>In terms of traditional cuisine, Negeri Sembilan is famous for its Masak Lemak Chili Api or also known as "masak lomak lado api." Thus, Masak Lemak Cili Api Duck Eggs and Belimbing Buluh is much loved for its rich and spicy taste, making it one of the iconic foods in this state.</p><div><br></div> ...
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AIR SARBAT
<p>Air Sarbat, a type of drink, has existed for thousands of years in Persia and recorded in the book Canon of Medicine and The Tale of a Thousand and One Nights. In a short while, this drink became popular in India during the reign of the Mughal Empire. In fact, the empire had improved it by drinking with ice from the Himalayan range for a more refreshing effect. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>In the early 1900s, the Indians migrated to Malaya in droves, bringing along their food and drink traditions, for one, the air sarbat. It was delicious, capturing the locals’ taste thus it became popular in Penang. A business brand, 3579Ais Tingkap emerged, pioneered by a trader in Lebuh Tamil, George Town since 1919. In hot weather, quenching their thirst, people will happily go for traditional drink air sarbat. </p><div><br></div> ...
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JIKEY
<p>Jikey is one of Malaysia's unique traditional performing arts, particularly in the northern regions such as Kedah and Perlis. This art form combines elements of acting, dancing, music, and singing into a dramatic performance. The name "Jikey" is believed to be derived from the Thai word "Chikai," meaning "folk performance," reflecting the influence of Thai culture on this art. Initially, Jikey was part of religious or ritual ceremonies within the Malay-Islamic community but later evolved into a form of folk entertainment performed at various events such as feasts, celebrations, and harvest festivals.</p><p><br></p><p>The history of Jikey can be traced back to the 19th century, when it was first performed by farming communities as post-harvest entertainment. Its performances often revolved around daily life, folklore, and comedic tales, which were entertaining yet carried moral lessons and social messages. As a folk art, Jikey incorporates a spontaneous element where actors often improvise their dialogues and actions, making it relatable to the audience. Traditional musical instruments such as gendang (drums), rebana (frame drums), and gongs accompany the performances, alongside singing and dancing that depict specific stories or scenes.</p><p><br></p><p>However, the popularity of Jikey began to decline in the mid-20th century due to societal lifestyle changes and the emergence of modern entertainment such as television and radio. Efforts have since been made by cultural practitioners and institutions to preserve this traditional art form. Today, Jikey is still performed at cultural events as a symbol of the northern Malaysian community's artistic heritage.</p><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN KELUNDANG
<p>Kelundang means wood. The main item of Tarian Sewang Kelundang is the kelundang wood, hence the name. Initially, this dance was a tribe’s medicinal ritual and there were no dancers. But over time, the dance was introduced to the ritual as more people liked to watch the healing ceremony. This healing is not only practiced by Jakun people but also Semai and Temiar. The Jakuns will use the kelundang wood, but the Semai and Temiar use bamboo. However, the songs are sung in one’s respective dialect. </p><p><br></p><p>Kelundang ritual knowledge is obtained through acquiring and inheritance. Renown shamans inherited the knowledge of this shamanism or passed down their previous generations. </p><p><br></p><p>While healing, the panjang wood is tapped by all dancers for the sounds and rhythms. Two sticks are held by each dancer, using it to tap the wood. The healing takes quite a long time, which sometimes lasts all night. The wood for healing must be of batang peruan. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>There are five male and female dancers, and a shaman, standing alternately. They wear headgears of palas (Licuala sp.) leaves, woven neatly like a centipede. The lyrics of the song are subject to the length of healing. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>As times change, tarian kelundang is now commercialized, functioning as performance arts to welcome visitors to Jakun Orang Asli settlement, Gumum, Tasik Chini, Pahang. </p><p><br></p><p>The stem of a kelundang tree, cut into two feet, is hung on a handle like a gong leg. Knocking the trunk will produce music-like rhythmic thumps as a background of the dance. Fifteen dancers, musicians and singers do their moves following the basic steps of the sewang dance since both dances are akin to each other. The dance floor pattern is simple, circular and elongated. When dancing, the singers will sing poems in Jakun accent, celebrating their visitors and the beauty of Tasik Chini.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Title of Song - Welcome </p><p><br></p><p>This is not just of any bee </p><p>The bees nesting in the tualang </p><p>This is not any kind of welcome </p><p>Welcoming you the revered lords </p><p><br></p><p>The stick is not just of any stick </p><p>It branches far into the forest </p><p>We do come from afar </p><p>For ye dancing the kelundang </p><p><br></p><p>The lake is not just of any </p><p>Chini is a given name</p><p>It is not just of any lake </p><p>There lives a mystique dragon </p><p><br></p><p>How high is the Mount Tahan? </p><p>They row to Kuala Bera </p><p>Let's observe it through and through </p><p>Politeness is the value</p><p><br></p><p>The Temakang Hill the Gelugor Hill </p><p>Seen from Tasik Chini </p><p>We welcome the good you</p><p>When shall we meet again? </p><p><br></p><p>The bees are not just any bee </p><p>They nest in the bamboo trees </p><p>The reverence is not of any kind </p><p>We do so with two hands.</p><div><br></div> ...
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SUMAYAU
<p>Sumayau, also known as Madsayau, is a traditional dance of the Kadazan-Dusun ethnic group, specifically from the Dusun Lotud or Suang Lotud tribe in the Tuaran District of Sabah. This dance carries deep spiritual and cultural significance, as it is an integral part of the ritual ceremonies and beliefs of the Dusun Lotud community. The word “Sumayau” means "to dance," while its root term, “Madsayau,” also translates to "dancing" or "performing a dance."</p> ...
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ADAT TEBUS PELAMIN
<p>Adat Tebus Pelamin, colloquially referred to as "duit tol" (toll money) among the Malay community in Johor, is a long-standing wedding tradition. This custom involves a symbolic act of preventing the groom from ascending the bridal dais (pelamin) until he pays a designated amount of "toll money" to the bride's family.</p><p>Historically, this tradition has been seen as a playful and meaningful way to enhance the celebratory atmosphere while symbolising the groom's effort and determination in marrying his bride. The amount of toll money, often starting from as little as RM0.50 to RM1.00 per toll, is agreed upon by both families. In some cases, a higher amount may be offered as a gesture of respect or humour.</p><p>Adat Tebus Pelamin remains an integral aspect of Malay wedding culture in Johor, reflecting communal values of togetherness and cheerfulness.</p><div><br></div> ...
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SILAT KURA-KURA
<p>Silat Kura-Kura is a traditional martial art originating from Kuala Berang, Hulu Terengganu, which emerged in the 19th century. This art was founded by a martial arts master who was inspired by a fight between two turtles he observed while meditating in a cave at Hulu Paka. The unique movements of the turtles, such as defending themselves and strategically attacking, were adapted into the techniques of this martial art. Tok Ibrahim Hussin, the main founder, passed this knowledge on to his student Yunus Mamat, who later promoted the art in Kampung Menerong, Kuala Berang.</p><p><br></p><p>Training for Silat Kura-Kura is typically conducted in sandy areas such as riverbanks, which resemble the natural habitat of turtles. A prominent figure like Mohamad Razali bin Ismail has played a significant role in disseminating this art to this day, with his students located outside Terengganu, including in Johor, Kelantan, and Singapore. Silat Kura-Kura has been showcased in major events, such as cultural performances in Singapore and during the visit of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to Hulu Terengganu.</p><p><br></p><p>However, Silat Kura-Kura faces challenges in maintaining its legacy. The lack of skilled instructors, competition from modern martial arts like Pencak Silat, and limited exposure through media and competition platforms have caused this art to be increasingly forgotten. Younger generations are more inclined toward modern activities that are easier to learn and more dynamic. To ensure its continuity, several preservation measures need to be undertaken. These include organizing workshops and classes for young generations, documenting the history and techniques of Silat Kura-Kura through films and books, and promoting it through social media and cultural events. Collaboration between the government, private sectors, and educational institutions is also crucial to incorporating elements of Silat Kura-Kura into the arts and culture curriculum. Through these efforts, Silat Kura-Kura can be preserved and passed down to future generations, thereby strengthening the cultural identity of the Malays on a global stage.</p><div><br></div><div><br></div> ...
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA MASYARAKAT INDIA: KELAHIRAN SELEPAS BERSALIN
<p>Malaysian Indians are Malaysian citizens of Indian descent. A large number migrated to Malaysia during the British colonial era in Malaya. However, historical evidence shows that Indians have begun to settle in Malaysia since the heyday of the Chola Dynasty. Nowadays, they are the third largest race in Malaysia after the Malays and Chinese. In addition, they also have their own customs and culture, such as the custom of waiting until the birth of a child for pregnant women.</p><div><br></div> ...
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