Cultural Influences in the Wood Carving Motifs of Malay Houses in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24191/ijad.v10i2/0z9v2c80Keywords:
Influence, Malay Houses, Malay Woodcarving, Motif, Negeri SembilanAbstract
This paper focuses specifically on the woodcarving motifs of Malay houses in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan, by categorising their themes and identifying the cultural influences that shaped them. Several methods were employed as primary data collection methods, including observation, site visits, and photographic documentation. Additionally, semi-structured interviews with woodcarving experts were conducted to gain further insights and information on woodcarving motifs, supplementing the primary methods. The study identified several categories of motifs, including floral, cosmic, faunal, natural, and combined forms. These categories reflect the woodcarvers’ choices in ornamentation, as well as their cultural influences and perceptions. The findings reveal the presence of the Malay world and Chinese cultural aesthetics within the motifs. It demonstrates that although these cultural influences coexist in the designs, the values and meanings of the motifs remain distinct in relation to culture, tradition, and belief. This study contributes to discussions on cultural transmission in vernacular art by examining how recurring visual forms and variations in motif design reflect processes of cultural transmission.
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