08-08-2025
S'wak artisans weaving new life into old crafts
High craftsmanship: (From top) Bawih demonstrating her rattan-weaving skills at a craft exhibition in Kuching; Ezra showing her range of bead accessories which includes traditional Bidayuh necklaces and contemporary creations.
KUCHING: Across Sarawak, artisans are keeping indigenous crafts alive by preserving traditional techniques while adapting their designs for contemporary use.
Craftspersons like Penan weaver Bawih Tingang have also reached wider markets by participating in craft fairs around the country.
Bawih, who comes from the remote village of Long Iman in Mulu, learnt to weave rattan baskets at a young age.
'Weaving is a traditional craft of the Penan.
'We use these handwoven baskets in our daily lives to carry things.
'Nowadays, we can also sell the baskets to others,' she said.
Bawih started making handwoven products for sale in 2014, weaving not only traditional Penan baskets but also bags for contemporary use.
'The modern bags are all my own design.
'Everyone likes them because they can be used daily, as handbags, for example,' she said.
For Bawih, making baskets and bags for sale is a way to preserve the traditional craft of weaving while bringing in revenue.
'By selling my products, I can earn additional income for my children's schooling needs and for kitchen necessities,' she said.
Attractive colours: Ezra showing her range of bead accessories which includes traditional Bidayuh necklaces and contemporary creations.
Her pieces are priced according to size and design.
Each piece is made by hand, a process that begins by going to the jungle to collect rattan.
Next, the rattan is washed and split into long, thin strips.
They are then dyed with natural dyes.
'It takes a long time to collect and prepare the rattan for weaving,' Bawih said.
'Once the rattan is ready, I can complete weaving one bag in four days.'
Bawih usually sells her products at craft exhibitions in Sarawak and occasionally in Peninsular Malaysia by invitation from the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia).
'The buyers include locals and foreign visitors.
'If I have the opportunity, I would like to learn how to sell my products online,' she added.
Ezra Rejem is another crafts artisan making both traditional and contemporary designs.
A Bidayuh from Kuching, she learnt to make bead jewellery as a hobby upon retiring before venturing into selling her work at craft exhibitions organised by Kraftangan Malaysia.
'I make Bidayuh necklaces in traditional designs and colours of red, black and white beads, which people still want to wear as accessories during festive occasions like Gawai.
'I also make my own contemporary designs which can be worn on other occasions, like a formal dinner,' she added.
Ezra said that coming up with new designs alongside traditional ones was a way to keep the craft relevant.
'The modern designs cater to contemporary needs and tastes.
'At the same time, I'm also preserving traditional Bidayuh bead craft.
'It's important to keep the craft alive because it's part of our culture and heritage,' she added.
