SARAWAK, with more than 30 ethnic groups, boasts a wealth of cultural heritage which has given rise to a remarkable variety of crafts.
Every craft within this collection possesses its own distinct character, significance, and purpose, making them integral to Sarawak’s cultural identity and embodying a rich heritage that has been carefully handed down from one generation to the next.
However, the impending threat of modernisation and globalisation poses a risk to the survival of numerous traditional crafts, putting them on the brink of extinction.
Therefore, in response to this challenge, proactive initiatives are being implemented to safeguard these dying art forms, ensuring their preservation for future generations and preventing it from being lost forever.
Sarawak heritage crafts have gone global as they were showcased at the London Craft Week (LCW) 2023 in the United Kingdom held from May 8 to 14.
There were also interactive workshops such as the Ikat Iban, Sarawak Basketry, Keringkam and Beading.
LCW is an annual event organised in the British capital since 2015 involving commonwealth countries around the world.
Sarawak’s participation in the event along with other participating states was at the invitation of the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandar in the effort to showcase the country, Sarawak’s unique crafts in particular.
The participating bodies from Sarawak included Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) Commercial, Tun Jugah Foundation and Brooke Trust with exhibits such as Songket Sarawak, Keringkam, Pua Kumbu and bemban weaving items.
Sarawak’s handicrafts in Sarawak are classified into four main categories namely, forest-based crafts, textiles, clay and ceramics, and metal.
This exhibition featured three craft entrepreneurs from CENTEXS Commercial, namely Ros Salleh with the Keringkam craft products, Senia Jugi (Bemban mats) and Helena David Kalum (beads and ceramics), followed by craft entrepreneurs from Tun Jugah Foundation Shirley Vilin Ikok with her craft products, Ikat Iban.
Furthermore, the promotion and conservation of crafts through exhibitions such as these present valuable opportunities for cultural exchange, fostering heightened awareness and a profound appreciation for Sarawak’s cultural heritage.
The Sarawak delegation was led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, whose presence strengthened Sarawak’s commitment to promoting Sarawak’s cultural heritage and reputation as a leading craft destination, as well as the region’s crafts and cultural diversity.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak government is committed to efforts to promote Sarawak heritage crafts globally.
“CENTEXS is working together with our indigenous artisans to preserve our heritage in terms of the craftsmanship and that will be done systematically.
“What is important is that we want to reach out to the market and that is why we have this special CENTEXS Commercial that will promote our product overseas,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Queen for inviting Sarawak to be part of the delegation to promote Malaysia’s culture.
“I think what happened now is a collaboration between Pahang, Terengganu, and Sarawak, the promotion of our craft will position our craft products to the international market,” he said.
During the LCW, it also saw the launching of the Sarawak Heritage website, saratage.my, developed and designed by the CENTEXS Commercial to ensure borderless access to Sarawak heritage and craft.
In introducing the Saratage online platform, it is a commitment to bring the world to Sarawak via digital platforms and will open new markets for local craftsmen and entrepreneurs.
The online platform will allow users to discover, learn about and buy traditional Sarawakian crafts on the online marketplace.
Through Saratage, customers from all over the world can purchase from local vendors and contribute to the ongoing effort to preserve Sarawak’s unique cultural identity.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who also visited the LCW exhibition site at the High Commission of Malaysia in London, said this platform benefits Sarawak in various aspects.
“This year’s LCW provides an opportunity for craft makers from Sarawak to showcase their skills and crafts at the global level, thus making it a very meaningful event for the participating artisans,” he said.
He also said Sarawak’s exceptional crafts and rich cultural heritage have gained international recognition with Kuching being awarded the title of World Craft City in 2019 by the International World Craft Council (WCC).
In conclusion, Sarawak crafts are a true embodiment of the state’s identity and cultural heritage.
