Woodcarving Motifs of Melaka Traditional House: Rumah Mohd Hassan Bin Ali

Abstract

Woodcarving is a traditionally significant art. Historic woodcarving of Malay traditional houses still exists in Melaka. The previous documentation of woodcarving motifs at traditional houses is not comprehensive, especially on the West Coast, particularly in Melaka. There is also a lack of understanding about the aesthetic value of woodcarving. This research aims to provide historical background about woodcarving motifs in one of Melaka's traditional houses, which is in Rumah Mohd Hassan. The objectives of this paper are to identify the woodcarving motifs and to categorise the woodcarving motifs. This study uses the qualitative method. Meanwhile, the primary data was gathered via field studies through photography. This study also incorporated The Theory of Malay Aesthetics by Zakaria Ali to interpret the motifs. This study showed different categories of motifs such as flora, fauna, geometry, still life, cosmos, nature, and a combination of motifs. The woodcarving motifs have achieved the six principles of the theory highlighting aesthetic consideration based on function, delicate, unity, contrast, symbol, and meaning. This research is beneficial in preserving knowledge about woodcarving motifs in Melaka traditional houses, and it is recommended that further exploration be conducted to compare woodcarving motifs with other states.