KUCHING: Bangie Embol, a master weaver from Sarawak, has been honoured as the National Craft Icon 2024 for her remarkable efforts in preserving the traditional craft of Pua Kumbu, an handwoven textile of the Iban community.
The 78-year-old artisan was presented with the award by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a ceremony held at the National Craft Complex in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
This accolade stands as the highest acknowledgment bestowed upon craft entrepreneurs and artists for their role in advancing and empowering craft products across the nation.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister of Works and Kapit MP Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi congratulated Bangie for her achievements.
“There is nothing more proud than witnessing the highest recognition given to a native of Kapit, Puan Bangie Embol, who received the National Craft Icon Award 2024 from the Prime Minister.
“For 40 years, dedicating herself to promoting this art worldwide, she deserves the title of ‘Adiguru Kraf Tenun Pua’,” he said, adding that when mentioning about ‘Pua Kumbu’, most people would think of Sarawak in general.
“However, many people do not know that Pua Kumbu is one of the identities of the Iban community, where this woven product is woven by Iban women.
“If you come to Kapit, I can take you to meet the women and see for yourself how they make this woven cloth, which is rich with 1,001 stories.
It was previously reported that Bangie’s long list of accolades include the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Crafts Prize 1998 for Natural Dye Weaving, recognition as Sarawak Living Legend of Ikat Weaving by the Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry in 2019, and the Hasanah Gold Thread Award for the Best Traditional Ikat category last year.
