LIST OF ARTS AND CULTURE
Entire list of cultural arts includes all categories and states
Search Filters : 426
MASAKAN TRADISIONAL ‘AMBUYAT’
<p>Ambuyat is a traditional food, a favourite of the Bruneians and Bisayas. This special dish is enjoyed by many and has been passed down for generations by the Kadazandusun, Murut, Bajau and Dusun Tatana in Sabah. </p><p><br></p><p>Starchy food, transparent and sticky glue-like texture, it is made from sago flour, which is processed from sago palm wood, the ampulung. </p><p><br></p><p>In the old days, ambuyat was eaten daily, and always served at weddings, festivals and other celebrations. </p><div><br></div> ...
- 14
- 2706
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> ...
- 3
- -
- 2835
TARIAN SUMARANUM
<p>Sumaranum is a traditional dance of the Iranun ethnic community, predominantly residing in the Kota Belud district and several areas in Kota Marudu and Tuaran. In the Iranun language, Sumaranum means "longed for" or "yearned for." The name reflects the community’s deep affection for the musical rhythm accompanying the dance, which is often longed for and fondly remembered.</p><p><br></p><p>This dance has a rich history, originating as a central element of the Iranun community’s traditional healing ritual, the Parinang ceremony. Over time, as cultural shifts accompanied the Iranun people's embrace of a formalised religion, the dance evolved into a performance art form known as Ajung. This name was derived from the central feature of the dance—a structure called the Ajung, a replica of a house crafted from fabric or paper. The Ajung was elaborately decorated with colourful fabrics and flags at each corner. Eventually, the dance was renamed Sumaranum by consensus, a title that still endures.</p> ...
- 4
- -
- 1790
MASAK LEMAK CILI API IKAN KELI SALAI
<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 migrated 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 Gulai Lemak Chili Api, also known as "masak lomak lado api." This dish is a symbol of Negeri Sembilan's traditional Malay cuisine, emerging from the influence of Minangkabau. It is often prepared using ingredients such as fish, snails, chicken, vegetables, and smoked meat. Thus, Masak Lemak Cili Api Ikan Keli Salai is extremely popular because of its rich and spicy taste, making it one of the iconic foods in this state.</p><div><br></div> ...
- 0
- -
- 1950
CANGGUNG DANCE
<p>Canggung Dance is one of the traditional dance forms that represents the cultural identity of Perlis, Malaysia. This dance is unique for its performance style, which features an exchange of pantun (Malay poetic verses) sung between male and female performers. The origins of Canggung Dance are closely linked to the influences of Rambong or Makyong Laut dances, which were later adapted by the local community in Perlis to create what is now known as Canggung. Etymologically, the word Canggung is believed to have derived from the Thai word Tanggung, meaning "to dance", reflecting regional cultural influences in its development.</p><p>Canggung Dance was first actively introduced during the Japanese occupation around 1941. Its earliest performances were presented by two siblings, Che Lian and Che Intan, who became pioneers in spreading and popularizing this dance among the people of Perlis. Since then, Canggung Dance has continued to flourish as a form of folk entertainment, commonly performed at social gatherings such as feasts, weddings, and post-harvest celebrations.</p><p>Although it shares similarities with other forms of Malay folk dances, such as Ronggeng, Canggung Dance maintains its distinct characteristics, especially through its exchange of pantun between male and female dancers. The pantun often carries themes of advice, playful teasing, and light-hearted satire, reflecting the refinement and wisdom of the Malay community. Today, Canggung Dance continues to be preserved and performed at various cultural events and festivals and is recognized as an important element of Malaysia’s intangible cultural heritage, particularly cherished by the people of Perlis.</p><div><br></div><p></p> ...
- 22
- 3518
Opera Cina - Teochew
<p>Opera Cina Teochew, combining the traits of rich and long history of arts, is a theater related to religious beliefs. Their troupes often perform in Penang at the Hungry Ghost Festivals in Bukit Mertajam and Seberang Perai Tengah.</p><p><span style="white-space: pre; white-space: normal;"> </span></p><p><br></p><p>Boasting a beautiful use of ancient dialect, this classical show is one of the many opera variations of the Chaoshan region of Guangdong, China. In the show, performers speak Min Nan dialect, bringing to life the ancient Chinese words not found in the Chinese dialects of today. </p><p><br></p><p>A Regular Story in Teochew Chinese Opera</p><p> </p><p>Its popular story is Butterfly Lovers: Maiden Meeting, narrating the deep passion and sensation between two lovers akin to the Western Romeo and Juliet. Like others, this opera presents music, songs, martial arts, acrobatics and drama.</p><p><br></p><p>Use of Chinese Language or Dialect</p><p> </p><p>The entire language spoken in the show is Teochew, the dialect used by the people of Chaosan in the east of Guangdong region, China. Most Chinese in Penang speak Hokkien, and also know Teochew.</p><div><br></div> ...
- 24
- 2585
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> ...
- 26
- 1946
ALAT MUZIK TURALI
<p>Turali, also known as Turahi in the Tambunan subdialect and Tuahi in the Penampang dialect, is a traditional musical instrument in the flute-type aerophone category. It is a nose flute that is uniquely played by blowing through the nose, making it different from most other wind instruments.</p><p><br></p><p>Turali is made of Sumbiling bamboo and measures about 30 - 40 centimeters long. The end is punched with a hole for blowing, known as a Pogunian hole. The stem will have four holes to produce various tones. The back holes are known as Pongirusan holes, which are operated by the thumb, while the three holes in the front are known as Mokorudu holes, which are operated by the other fingers.</p> ...
- 2
- -
- 2173
ULAT MULONG
<p>The Ulat Mulong or Sago Worm is a larva that inhabits the trunk of the sago palm tree, using the pith as its food source. The felled sago trunk is stored and left untouched for approximately two weeks to allow the larvae to grow, becoming healthy and active. When the time comes, the sago trunk is split open to extract the worms. These worms can be eaten raw, but they can also be roasted or fried.</p> ...
- 1
- -
- 2312
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> ...
- 1
- -
- 5098
PERMAINAN TRADISIONAL WAU
<p>Wau is a kite. Wau flying is a traditional outdoor game, a display of strength and grace in the air, enjoyed by those living in breezy areas of Kelantan. It is also played by those in other states like Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and Terengganu. </p><p><br></p><p>Oral history says that wau was created by Sang Jaya, also known by his other titles: Dewa Muda, Dewa Hindu and Masai Kelana Seri Panji, between 711 and 839 AD, as a state’s regalia. It was also a symbol of a nation’s sovereignty and her power to occupy other nations. </p><p><br></p><p>Kite fliers have their own favourite kites, for instance, Wau Bulan in Kelantan, Wau Burung in Terengganu and Wau Jalabudi in Kedah. </p><p><br></p><p>Wau making is unique compared to other games as it requires drawing and colouring skills to produce an exquisite one.</p><p><br></p><p>The splendor of Kelantan wau is exceptional. Thus the wau flying and production need to be preserved as a state identity.</p><div><br></div> ...
- 15
- 11949
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> ...
- 25
- 7363