CULTURAL INTEGRATION IN MALAY TEXTILE: EXAMINING ISLAMIC AND INDIGENOUS DECORATIVE IN MALAY TELEPUK

Abstract

Malay textiles decoration, reflecting the Malay Archipelago cultural and historical evolution. This study examines the cooperation between Islamic motifs and original local motifs in Malay textile ornamentation, focusing on telepuk cloth. This research conducting a qualitative methodology by using comparative analysis of selected telepuk cloth collected by Muzium Tekstil Negara to identify the stylistic patterns, cultural influences, and aesthetic principles that define the characteristic and uniqueness of Malay textile (telepuk) decoration. Through the combination of visual analysis and historical contextualization, this study aims to explore how these textiles functioned as both religious and cultural artefacts. The finding of this research can contribute to a deeper understanding of how Islamic artistic conventions merged with pre-Islamic traditions, shaping the visual identity of Malay manuscript art. From the aspect of academic, it can enrich textile studies specifically on how Telepuk reflects a cultural synthesis. Also, can be as interdisciplinary field that bridges art history, anthropology, Islamic studies, and cultural heritage research. Other than that, in term of cultural and heritage contribution it is an act of preservation of heritage and to revive the traditional Malay craft to strengthen cultural Identity. On the other side, it can serve as a design innovation that emphasis cross-cultural dialogue. In term of societal sontribution, it is important as an educational resource and cultural diplomacy promoting Telepuk, as a symbol of Malaysian culture in the global arena. this can lead toward community empowerment to supports local artisans economically.