LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
Search Filters : 429
ADAT RESAM DAN BUDAYA KAUM IBAN: ADAT KEMATIAN
<p>In the Iban community, death and burial ceremonies involve a range of taboos and specific, unique procedures that must be executed thoroughly. Each taboo and ritual must be followed and carried out with precision. This is essential for respecting the deceased, ensuring that their soul remains calm and at peace. The Iban people also believe that if these practices are not conducted as required, various calamities and misfortunes will befall the residents in the area.</p> ...
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TARIAN KUKUR/TEMPURUNG
<p>The Kukur Dance, or Tempurung Dance, is a unique traditional art form from the state of Kedah, named after its main musical instrument, the coconut shell. This dance is believed to have originated as a form of folk entertainment among farmers and fishermen, where the use of coconut shells symbolizes the abundance of natural resources in Kedah. It is typically performed in a relaxed setting, such as at feasts or harvest festivals, accompanied by traditional music and lively folk songs. The movements in this dance are dynamic, mimicking daily activities like harvesting rice or fishing, and thus narrating the daily lives of the community. The history of the Tempurung Dance reflects the ingenuity of the Malay community in Kedah, who combined the functionality of everyday tools with artistic expression.</p><div><br></div> ...
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CEREMONY HAIR-CUTTING
<p>Adat Potong Jambul is a Malay tradition in Johor that signifies a significant milestone in a baby's life. This ceremony is typically held on the 40th day after birth, coinciding with the end of the mother's confinement period, or on the seventh day, depending on local customs.</p><p>During the event, relatives and neighbours gather to recite doa selamat and perform collective berzanji. After the recitations, the baby is brought into the main hall to undergo the ceremonial hair-cutting, known as potong jambul.</p><p>This tradition embodies cultural and spiritual practices, reflecting values of familial bonding, community ties, and blessings for the newborn's future.</p><div><br></div> ...
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TARIAN ETNIK BABA NYONYA : BAKUL SIA
<p>The Bakul Sia Dance has deep historical roots in Baba Nyonya culture, which emerged from intermarriages between Chinese traders, particularly those from Fujian and Guangdong provinces in China, and local Malay women. This fusion of cultures gave birth to a unique ethnic identity with distinct language, clothing, food, and art, separate from traditional Chinese or Malay cultures.</p><p><br></p><p>The traditional Bakul Sia Dance is believed to have originated from customs within the Peranakan community, where dances were performed to celebrate weddings or important occasions. The name "Bakul Sia" refers to the "basket" used in the dance, which serves as a central symbol in the performance.</p><p><br></p><p>Meaning of the Bakul Sia Dance</p><p>This dance is often associated with significant ceremonies, such as weddings or festivals, where a basket containing flowers or fruits is used as the primary accessory. The dance highlights movements full of symbolism, where each step and gesture convey prosperity, well-being, and fertility.</p><p><br></p><p>Overall, this dance expresses respect for customs and traditions while reflecting the harmony of Baba Nyonya culture, which integrates Chinese and Malay influences. The dance movements represent elegance and grace, showcasing the skill of balancing the basket in hand, symbolizing balance in life.</p><div><br></div> ...
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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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GULAI JANGEK
<p>Gulai Jangek is a traditional Minangkabau dish from West Sumatra that uses cow or buffalo skin, usually prepared as crackers or cooked in a spiced coconut milk curry. This dish originates from the Minangkabau community's practice of utilizing every part of the animal, reflecting values of resourcefulness and preventing waste. Jangek is served during traditional ceremonies as a symbol of prosperity and culinary creativity, transforming a simple ingredient like skin into a flavorful dish with significant cultural value.</p> ...
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ZAPIN LENGA DANCE
<p>Zapin is one of the traditional Malay dance forms with a long and rich history,</p><p>influenced by Arab and Islamic culture introduced by Middle Eastern traders and</p><p>missionaries approximately 500 years ago. In Johor, zapin has evolved into a</p><p>distinct cultural identity, shaped by local adaptations and passed down through</p><p>generations. More than just a form of entertainment, zapin has traditionally served</p><p>as a medium for spiritual education, moral instruction, and community bonding</p><p>within Malay society.</p><p>Among the various styles of zapin in Johor, Zapin Lenga stands out as one of the</p><p>oldest and most significant. Originating from Kampung Lenga, Batu 28, Muar,</p><p>Johor, Zapin Lenga holds a vital place in the cultural heritage of the state. It is</p><p>recognized as one of the 20 documented types of traditional zapin found across</p><p>Johor and is often regarded as the prototypical style that laid the foundation for</p><p>what is now known as Zapin Melayu Johor.</p><p>Historically, the dance was founded by the late Rabu bin Harom, also known as</p><p>Wak Rabu, a respected traditional artist from Muar. His legacy was passed down to</p><p>Haji Sukur bin Basir, and is currently being preserved and promoted by Majid bin</p><p>Rawino, a local cultural practitioner. Initially, Zapin Lenga was performed</p><p>exclusively by male dancers during social and religious occasions such as</p><p>weddings, communal feasts, Quran recitation completion ceremonies (Khatam Al-</p><p>Quran), and baby hair-cutting rituals (Cukur Jambul). However, over time, and in</p><p>response to societal changes, female dancers have also begun dancing,</p><p>highlighting their graceful and refined movements that are often described as more</p><p>expressive when performed by women.</p><p>Aesthetically, Zapin Lenga emphasizes virtuous values rooted in Malay customs</p><p>and etiquette. Its choreographed movements symbolize decorum, modesty, and</p><p>cultural harmony. Despite the pressures of modernization and shifting lifestyle</p><p>patterns, efforts in conservation and cultural transmission have allowed Zapin</p><p>Lenga to continue thriving as a living heritage. It remains relevant to younger</p><p>generations and is regularly showcased in arts programs, cultural education, and</p><p>heritage festivals at both the state and national levels.</p> ...
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MENGARANG INDAI ABAU
<p>Mengarang Indai Abau, also known as Indai Guruk, is a traditional dance of the Iban ethnic group. This dance is typically performed in longhouses, presented in the form of storytelling through oral narration.</p> ...
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KUIH QASIDAH
<p>Kuih Qasidah, also known as Kuih Hasidah, is one of the traditional delicacies originating from the state of Kedah. According to oral historical accounts, Kuih Qasidah is believed to have its roots in the Arab region and was introduced by Arab descendants who migrated and settled in the area. Besides Kedah, this kuih is also popular in the state of Terengganu, where there is a notable difference in its color: the Terengganu version is yellow, while the Kedah version is translucent white.</p><p><br></p><p>Kuih Qasidah is considered a classic delicacy due to its creamy, sweet flavor, making it especially popular during the month of Ramadan. It was a preferred choice among earlier generations as a dish for breaking fast due to its delicious taste. Additionally, it is also suitable to be served as an afternoon snack alongside coffee or hot tea.</p><p><br></p><p>In terms of preparation, Kuih Qasidah is relatively simple to make but requires precise techniques. The mixture must be cooked until it achieves a thick and glossy texture. Once cooked, the kuih is garnished with fried onions sautéed in ghee, enhancing its aroma and flavor. This makes Kuih Qasidah not only delicious but also unique in terms of its presentation and taste.</p><div><br></div> ...
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