Crafty Coffins At Craft Day Celebration

By Sakini Mohd Said KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 (Bernama) -- One would not expect to find a coffin on display at a handicraft exhibition. However, that is exactly what is being exhibited at the 13th National Craft Day celebration this March 26 to April 7. This is not the usual offering of the Malaysia Handicraft Development Corporation, better known as Kraftangan Malaysia. One usually goes to these kind of events to find the latest high quality Malaysian handicraft, not a casket for burial. Kraftangan Malaysia Marketing Head Sahaimi Abd. Manaf, however, told Bernama that the "coffins" were not the regular rectangular kind. BEAUTIFUL BURIAL Instead, what they are are big earthenware jars called “tajau”, crafted by ceramicists. “The Murut (a tribe of Borneo) used to place their dead inside these vessels and bury them. “What we want to focus on is not so much of the burial method but the beauty of the ceramic jar itself. We want our visitors to see this beautiful burial medium that was once used a long time ago,” he explained. Each tajau bears specific motifs and were reserved for the burial of only important members of society back then. Although no longer in use today, the large ceramic vessels have become a choice household décor item, usually placed in the corner of living rooms or in the front yard. Kraftangan Malaysia has been entrusted with the task of highlighting the value of local handicraft and raise awareness on products of the nation’s heritage. “We also have on exhibit the jerunai (Melanau burial pole), parang ilang (traditional Bornean weapon), keris berdiri and keris raksasa (both daggers). Do visit the National Craft Day celebration to view for yourself the intricate craftsmanship in these items,” Sahaimi said. THE BEST OF LOCAL CRAFTS The 13-day exhibition will feature the products of 638 entrepreneurs under one roof, making it the largest Malaysian Craft Day celebration yet. One can expect to pay a fair price for the quality handicraft made by artisans and craftsmen from all over Malaysia, instead of the usual inflated prices due to the involvement of middlemen. Visitors can find the latest in authentic batik and songket designs, woodcrafts and household decoration items at the 4.69-hectare Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay, here. “This year, Kraftangan Malaysia will be introducing many new craft products, particularly in the textile and souvenir range,” said Sahaimi. AN INNOVATIVE BOOST A total of 135 new designs will be featured at the exhibition, ranging from ceramics to woodcarvings. The products bear contemporary and futuristic designs with a focus on energetic colour palettes. Woven handicrafts are now available in brighter colours and its versatility have been extended to contemporary use such as covers for phones, tablets and laptops. Copper pots are also making a comeback, with more dynamic designs that they can double up as servingware. Also as impressive are the ceramic pots, now with attractive finishing and beautiful packaging. DEMONSTRATION Besides the sale of products, there are also various craftmaking workshops at the exhibition. Visitors can try their hand at “kelarai anyaman buluh” (bamboo weaving), kite-making, interactive traditional games and drawing batik. The exhibition will also feature the process of earlobe lengthening using heavy brass pendants as practiced among the Sarawakian Orang Ulu tribe for beautification. Those wishing to learn more about the Mah Meri Orang Asli tribe from Pulau Carey, Selangor, can visit the mini village at the exhibition. There they can learn more about the culture, arts and tradition of the indigenous people. FACILITIES Kraftangan Malaysia is expecting some 60,000 visitors to this year’s Craft Day celebration, which is on from 10am-10pm. Besides fully air-conditioned sales tents, there are also 10 parking zones that can accommodate over 1,000 cars at any time. The parking zones are located at Jalan Conlay, Jalan Kia Peng, Jalan Stonor and Jalan Binjai. Those coming in via public transportation can utilise the free shuttle service made available at the Ampang Park LRT station. “We have availed eight buses and eight vans for the purpose, with a frequency of 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. “Those parking at any of the 10 zones will enjoy free parking, as long as they get their coupon stamped from Kraftangan Malaysia. We hope that everyone can make it, as it is an event not to be missed,” Sahaimi said. Among the activities lined up: * Traditional Kuih and Cooking Demonstration Mar 26 - April 7 * Masihkah Kau Ingat Concert: Yankee-yankee Mar 28 (8pm) * Latest Textile Design Fashion Show Mar 31, April 1 and 2 * Selfie Competition @HKK'15 Mar 26 - April 7 * Si Comel Meow @HKK'15 April 4 and 5 * Ceramah Agama @HKK'15 Mar 26 and April 2 * Kacau-kacau Kuali (cooking) Competition April 5 * Buskers Challenge Mar 30 - 31 and April 1 * Dikir Barat Competition April 4 -- BERNAMA