LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
Search Filters : 426
SEWANG DANCE
<p>The Sewang dance is one of the most well-known cultural traditions among the indigenous Orang Asli communities in Peninsular Malaysia, particularly the Mah Meri, Bateq, Semai, and Temiar tribes in Perak. Passed down through generations, this dance serves as a form of respect for nature and a ritualistic offering to supernatural beings. The performance of the Sewang dance varies according to the type of ritual being conducted. It encompasses several variations, including Sewang Chenchem, Gamok, Panoh, Penhei, Manjar, Pungei, Tanggei, Selombang, and many more.</p><div><br></div> ...
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PULUT KUKUS IKAN MASIN
<p>Pulut Kukus Ikan Masin, or glutinous rice with fried salted fish, is a popular delicacy in Perlis and in the Northern states of Semenanjung Malaysia. It is a common breakfast dish for those in Perlis. This dish is made of steamed glutinous rice and fried salted fish. Usually the salted fish are ikan gelama and ikan tamban. Pulut kukus becomes more appetizing when paired with fresh grated coconut, which the locals call nyok (in their dialects).</p> ...
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- 1943
TARIAN MODTOMU SUMIRID
<p>The Sumirid Dance is a traditional dance of the Kadazan-Dusun ethnic community, specifically from the Dusun Liwan sub-group in the Kundasang area of the Ranau district in Sabah. This dance has a unique history, inspired by a significant event called Modtomu. Modtomu is a gathering of village or tribal leaders to resolve disputes, address community problems, or discuss important issues within their communities.</p><p><br></p><p>Sumirid refers to movements associated with the traditional process of separating rice grains from their stalks by stomping them with the feet, an activity known as Mongogik in the Dusun language. Before the advent of rice threshing machines, Mongogik was performed manually and was an essential method in rice processing. These movements later inspired the creation of the Sumirid Dance, which serves as a form of dance and a cultural symbol that preserves the traditional practices of the Dusun Liwan community.</p><div><br></div> ...
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- 1994
BUAH DABAI
<p>With its scientific name Canarium Odontophyllum, the dabai fruit, or "dabei" as pronounced by locals, has a shape similar to that of a date. This seasonal fruit is considered a counterpart to durian, the king of fruits for the people of Sarawak, due to its delicious taste and high price. Typically, the dabai tree bears fruit once a year in December and occasionally in May. Dabai fruit is abundant in Sarawak, especially in the districts of Kapit, Sibu, Oya, Song, Mukah, Bintangor, and Sarikei, located in the central region of Sarawak. Nowadays, apart from being eaten fresh with rice during lunch or dinner, dabai fruit has been processed into products such as crackers, dabai chili sauce, dabai vinegar, and dabai paste. Young and unripe dabai fruit transitions in colour from white yellowish to dark black when ripe. The fruit must be soaked in warm water before consumption to soften its very hard flesh. Dabai can be eaten with salt, soy sauce, and bird's eye chili as additional flavouring. </p> ...
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CUSTOMS AND CULTURE OF THE RAWA COMMUNITY IN KAMPAR, PERAK: THE BERJOJAK CUSTOM
<p>The Rawa community, also known as "Rao," is one of the most significant traditional communities in Perak, Malaysia. This community is believed to have originated in West Sumatra, Indonesia, with a history of migration to Perak that began around 1850 and continued until 1876. The migration process occurred via the Perak River in Bagan Datoh before the settlers dispersed to other areas, including those along the Kampar River. Key figures who played important roles in this migration include Pawang Ana, a renowned storyteller; Tok Tua Sakti, the founder of the Tapah settlement; and Abdul Karim bin Raja Aman Shah, the founder of the Selama settlement.</p><p>The Rawa community in Kampar is well known for its rich and unique cultural traditions, which are still practiced today. One such tradition is the Berjojak custom, a ritual designed to help infants learn to walk on the ground. The term "Berjojak" originates from the word "Berjejak," in which the Rawa dialect replaces the vowel "e" with "o," reflecting the linguistic uniqueness of this community. This tradition not only represents the cultural identity of the Rawa people but also serves as a symbol of heritage preserved by the current generation, making it a meaningful tradition within their philosophy of life and social system.</p> ...
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PERANAN TOPENG SAGU MELANAU UNTUK KAUM DI SARAWAK, BORNEO
<p>The Melanau are one of the largest ethnic groups in Sarawak, residing along coastal areas including Matu Daro, Rejang, Mukah, and several other districts. Among them, there are Muslims and Christians, as well as those who practice animism, worshipping the spirits known as Ipok, manifestations of natural forces and powers. In Melanau belief, Ipok consists of Ipok Laut (sea spirit), Ipok Balau (forest spirit), Ipok Sarauang (sky spirit), and Ipok Iyang (earth spirit).</p><p><br></p><p>In traditional medicine, the Melanau believe that illness can result from an imbalance between the body and natural energies due to disturbances from malevolent spirits. Therefore, the Adat Bebayuh exists as an animistic healing practice of the Melanau people to cure ailments.</p> ...
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MARHABAN
<p>Marhaban is a form of Islamic art performance popular in Perak. The word ( بحرم) "Marhaba" is derived from the Arabic verb ( بحر) "Rahaba", which means spacious or vast. It conveys the meaning of a greeting or expression of respect used to welcome someone during a meeting. Some also translate this term as "welcome."</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><div><div>Marhaban refers to a specific recitation derived from the fourth Rawi (chapter) in the Majmu’ah Maulud Sharaf al-Anam. It begins at the eighth stanza, particularly at the verse that mentions the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “He was born.” At this part, the performers and the audience stand together to sing what is known as Marhaban. The song, which remains popular to this day, is:</div><div><br></div><div>Thala'al Badru 'Alayna, Min Thaniyyatil Wada'</div><div>Wajabash Shukru 'Alayna, Ma Da'a Lillahi Daa'</div><div><br></div><div>The Malay community widely embraces this tradition. It symbolizes reverence and joy for the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), making it an essential element in the recitation of the text.</div></div><div><br></div> ...
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LAKSA KUALA KANGSAR
<p><span style="display: inline !important;">Laksa Kuala Kangsar is a traditional dish synonymous with the royal town of Kuala Kangsar in Perak. This dish is renowned for its light yet aromatic gravy, prepared using traditional ingredients passed down through generations. It is a favourite among locals and a major attraction for tourists visiting the town.</span></p><p><br></p><p></p><p>The uniqueness of Laksa Kuala Kangsar lies in its noodles, which are made from wheat flour and crafted using traditional methods with a distinctive laksa mold. They are then cooked over a wood-fired stove. Paired with gravy made from fresh fish, such as mackerel or sardines, they offer an authentic taste that continues to captivate its enthusiasts.</p><p><br></p><p><span style="display: inline !important;">The history of Laksa Kuala Kangsar is believed to trace its origins to the Malay community in the area, where it was traditionally prepared as a local dish. Renowned as a royal town, Kuala Kangsar has long served as a hub for trade and a convenient stopover point, making laksa an ideal meal for locals and visitors. Over time, this dish evolved into a culinary icon that embodies the cultural identity of Kuala Kangsar and the state of Perak.</span></p><p><br></p><p>Today, Laksa Kuala Kangsar is widely available at food stalls throughout the town, particularly along the Perak River and in the old town area. This dish symbolises the culinary heritage of the Perak community and acts as a bridge connecting tradition and taste across generations. Consequently, Laksa Kuala Kangsar is recognised as one of the most distinctive symbols of Perak's cuisine, cherished by locals and tourists.</p> ...
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ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA KAUM KADAZANDUSUN SUKU DUSUN SUBPAN: ADAT PERKAHWINAN
<p><br></p><p>The Dusun Subpan tribe is a sub-ethnic group within the Kadazan-Dusun community, residing along the Segama River in the Lahad Datu district in Sabah. This tribe is well-known for its strong agrarian culture, particularly hill paddy cultivation, as well as the planting of cassava and bananas. They also participate in hunting and fishing activities in the Segama River area. Like other Kadazan-Dusun sub-ethnic groups, the Dusun Subpan remains deeply rooted in their customary laws and beliefs, including traditional marriage practices, which are still observed today.</p><div><br></div> ...
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RODAT
<p>Rodat is one of the traditional performance arts of the Malay community, which is closely associated with the state of Terengganu. It combines elements of music, singing, dance, and zikir (Islamic devotional recitation), reflecting the strong influence of Islam on Malay cultural arts. The name "Rodat" is believed to have originated from the Arabic word Hadrat, which means "presence" in a zikir gathering. Additionally, in Arabic vocabulary, the word Rodat also conveys meanings such as commuting, alternating, reuniting, or responding, which indirectly reflects the performance pattern that often involves call-and-response elements between singers and musicians.</p><p>Historically, there are several versions concerning the origins of rodat in Terengganu. Some accounts state that rodat was introduced by traders from Aceh and the Middle East who conducted trade along the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia around the early 19th century. At the same time, records indicate that traders from Sambas and Pontianak in West Kalimantan also came to Terengganu for the purpose of trading goods such as budu (fermented fish sauce), songket (handwoven brocade), and various utensils. The crew members who docked would gather in groups of around 20 people, singing (rodat) accompanied by a musical instrument known as the rebana tar until late at night. The melodious rhythm of zikir and their harmonious singing, accompanied by the beat of the rebana, captivated the local population and inspired them to learn the performance. From there, rodat began to flourish and became ingrained in the Terengganu community.</p><p>In Kuala Terengganu, Pasir Panjang Village and Gong Tok Nasek were identified as the initial locations for the dissemination of rodat. As it developed, it spread to other villages such as Surau Panjang, Beladau, Kepong, Paya Resak, and several other areas. Furthermore, in the Kemaman district, rodat is believed to have been introduced by an artist named Tuan Mandok from Beserah, Pahang, around 1936. He passed on his knowledge of the performance to Ayah Leh (Salleh), and subsequently to Ayah Teh (Tuan Haji Abdul Wahab), who then further developed the art form among the local youth.</p><p>In its early stages, rodat performances were exclusively conducted by men, focusing on the recitation of selawat (praises for the Prophet), zikir, and praises to Allah SWT and the Prophet Muhammad SAW. The performances were usually held privately inside homes and performed on mattresses. However, as the audience grew in number, the performances were moved to larger spaces such as sheds or open stages to accommodate the increasing number of spectators.</p><div><br></div><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN BHARATANATYAM (PULAU PINANG)
<p>Tarian Bharatanatyam is a distinguished Tamil traditional dance that originates in Tamil Nadu, India. Meanwhile, the term ‘bharatanatyam’ is a combination of four syllables: ‘bha’ (bhava for expression), ‘ra’ (raga, music), ‘ta’ (tala, rhythm) and ‘natyam’ (dramatic dance art), created by an Indian dance teacher, E. Krishna Iyer, in the mid-1930s. And it was improved by another dance teacher, Rukminidevi Arundale.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Their dance techniques adhere to those mentioned in the text of Natyashastra, the official manual of traditional arts (drama, dance and music) in India, written by Bharata Muni about 2500 years ago. </p><p><br></p><p>Historically, bharatanatyam was danced only by temples girls, the devadasi. These girls’ vow was to abstain from marriage for the rest of their lives, and they danced the bharatanatyam in the temple to show their devotion to God.</p><div><br></div> ...
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KUIH SOPANG REBUS
<p>Kuih Sopang Rebus is a traditional Negeri Sembilan cake. The name comes from its shape, a flattened ball dough making it appear ‘half’ a ball or ‘separuh’ in Bahasa Melayu but pronounced ‘sopaghoh’ in the Negeri Sembilan dialect. Thus came the term ’sopang’. </p><p><br></p><p>This delicacy is made of glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and salt, with a filling of grated young coconut. The dough is balled then flattened, filled with fillet, then delicately folded to resemble a curry puff. They are placed orderly in a container. The container then is put on the wooden sticks lining the pot with boiling water for steaming. The term sopang rebus is rather a misnomer because ’rebus’ means boiled. But the cake is just steamed, not boiled. </p><p><br></p><p>Kueh sopang is a favourite at breakfast, afternoon tea or breaking fast (as dessert) in the fasting month of Ramadhan. </p><div><br></div> ...
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