MUZIUM Seni Kraf Orang Asli was not in my initial plan, but I thank Lady Luck for letting me stumble upon this relatively small museum that is located just beside the main parking area of Muzium Negara.
While wondering how I could have missed the place after all this time, overwhelming curiosity prompts a peek inside.
With the place filled to the brim with interesting information and captivating artefacts about all things indigenous, my plan to quickly browse through the place rapidly evaporates, and the lunch arrangement is put on temporary hold.
ENDURING LEGACY
Established to preserve and further the understanding of local native tribes, Muzium Seni Kraf Orang Asli is home to eye-catching cultural objects and compelling oral records related to the way of life, customs and beliefs of these people. Those intricate wood carvings, century-old traditions, and volumes of folk tales and legends provide ample proof of the Orang Asli's enduring legacy, which forms an integral part of the nation's living heritage.
Recently completed upgrades have added more space to the gallery, which is divided into eight themed segments that are very well displayed to foster imaginative learning experiences.
The segments are various native tribe introductions, geographical and demographic distribution, carved statues, ceremonial mask diversity, traditional living spaces, hunting and fishing equipment, musical instruments, daily wear garments, weaving skills, and death rituals.
With the help of insightful photographs, it is easy to picture hunting and fishing teams scouring densely forested areas and fish-filled streams in search of food for themselves and their loved ones.
Displays featuring commonly used blowpipes, darts, fish traps and tridents provide ample proof that the tribes are capable of making effective equipment that caters to their daily needs.
Judging by the large number of carved items on display, sculpturing is central to the Orang Asli, especially those from the Senoi group, Jah Hut and Mah Meri tribes.
Characterising their animistic beliefs, these intricate items reflect their understanding that events in the spirit realm have a direct bearing on the world of the living.
At the same time, the perfectly crafted items with their flawless geometric lines underscore the indigenous artisans' skills. They prefer soft wood as raw material and take up to a month to complete an item using rudimentary traditional tools like a chisel, hammer, carving knife and axe.
During leisure hours, tribe members look to the forest for musical inspiration. Strongly believing that melodious tunes can ward off evil spirits by providing universal protection, their songs and ritual dances are always accompanied by rhythmic bamboo drum beats and tuneful notes from nose flutes and tambourines.
AFTERLIFE PRACTICES
Just like their musical inclinations, the Orang Asli exhibit strong creativity when it comes to their garments and accessories. Leaves that were used in prehistoric times eventually gave way to more durable tree bark, which could be fashioned into shirts and jackets.
Although most have adopted the use of modern fabric today, traditional tree bark clothing is still featured prominently during ceremonies and communal get-togethers.
Similar to other cultures, indigenous tribes place strong emphasis on death and the afterlife.
Guided by religious intermediaries or shamans known as Tok Halaq or Poyang, they observe hereditary customs when a clan member dies. While burial processes vary from tribe to tribe, a majority either wrap the deceased in a combination of banana leaves, tree bark and screw-pine mats prior to a ground burial or place them on a wooden platform constructed high up in a tall and sturdy tree.
Three grave replicas, as well as displayed photographs add visual impact to these time-tested practices. Just before leaving, several intricate basket displays catch my eye.
Made to suit day-to-day needs, these useful items are primarily made from naturally sourced raw materials, including rattan, as well as mengkuang and pandan leaves.
While large mats usually take a week to complete, baskets and rucksacks require more time to boost their robustness.
Used to carry bulky forest products and large animals, the latter are reinforced with sturdy knitting using lasting raw materials.
FAST FACTS
Muzium Seni Kraf Orang Asli
Jabatan Muzium Malaysia, Jalan Damansara, 50566 Kuala Lumpur
TEL 03-22671000 ext 154
FAX 03-2282 7294 / 2287 1275
EMAIL pr.mskoa@jmm.gov.my
HOURS Daily, 9am to 5pm, except the first Monday of the month, as well as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji
FEE RM2 (adults), RM1 (senior citizens and the disabled). Free admission for students in uniform and children under 12