Kelarai Bunga Pinang & Tapak Cicak
by Atan a/l Dtok, Sugi a/l Bah Singin, Bah Singin a/l Datok
This intricate weaving pattern draws its inspiration from the rich cultural tapestry of the Orang Asli community, reflecting the deep connections between daily life, tradition, and the natural world. Central to the design is the buah pinang (areca nut), a nut traditionally chewed by the Orang Asli, which holds both practical and symbolic significance in their communities. The presence of the Pinang tree itself serves as a cultural marker—a silent sentinel that signals one’s arrival in an Orang Asli village, embodying the intimate relationship between people and the land they inhabit.
In this weaving masterpiece, the delicate beauty of the bunga pinang (areca flower) pattern is carefully intertwined with the elegant tapak cicak (lizard’s palm) motif. The convergence of these elements goes beyond decoration; it reflects the subtle visual echoes between the two forms, creating a rhythm and harmony that mirror the natural surroundings of Orang Asli life. Each curve and line celebrates not only the artistry of weaving but also the profound ecological awareness and aesthetic sensibility of the community.
Through this composition, the pattern becomes more than a decorative motif—it is a narrative woven into cloth, a testament to the seamless integration of cultural symbolism and the vibrant flora that defines Orang Asli heritage. By capturing the interplay between plant life and traditional motifs, the artwork invites viewers to appreciate the thoughtful balance between environment, culture, and craft, honoring a living tradition that continues to thrive in the heart of Malaysia’s forests.
About the Community
The Semai are one of the largest Orang Asli groups in Peninsular Malaysia, primarily residing in the central and northern parts of the Peninsular highlands, including Perak and Pahang. Traditionally forest dwellers, they are renowned for their deep knowledge of the rainforest, its plants, rivers, and wildlife, which has sustained their communities for generations.
Semai society is characterized by strong communal values, non-violent conflict resolution, and egalitarian decision-making. They maintain close-knit villages where cooperation and mutual support are central to daily life. Agriculture, hunting, gathering, and traditional craft-making remain integral to their cultural practices, alongside rich oral traditions, music, and ritual celebrations that reflect a deep connection to nature and ancestral heritage.
Despite modern pressures, the Semai continue to preserve their language, traditions, and ecological knowledge, contributing to Malaysia’s rich Indigenous heritage while navigating contemporary society.
About the Artists
This group of artists hails from Kampung Kenderong, Ulu Jelai, Lipis, Pahang, and represents the rich cultural heritage of the Semai community. At the heart of the craft is Atan a/l Datok, a skilled weaver whose work reflects generations of traditional knowledge, transforming locally sourced natural materials into intricate and functional creations that carry the aesthetic and spiritual values of the Semai people.
Supporting the creative process are the harvesters Sugi a/l Bah Singin and Bah Singin a/l Datok, who gather the natural fibers and materials essential to weaving. Their intimate knowledge of the forest and sustainable harvesting practices ensures that the materials are ethically sourced while preserving the surrounding environment.
Together, this collaborative team embodies the Semai ethos of community, harmony with nature, and intergenerational knowledge transfer. Their artistry is not only a testament to skill and creativity but also a living celebration of Semai cultural identity, sustaining traditions and sharing them with wider audiences.