A Melanau man tying sago logs is one of the photos which will be on display at the exhibition from June 10 to 16 at Kingwood Hotel in Sibu.
THE first-ever Melanau culture photography exhibition entitled “Melanau Hidden Treasure” is set to take place from June 10 to 16 at Kingwood Hotel in Sibu, Sarawak.
The exhibition is an effort by Sibu Photographer Association (SPA).
SPA president Edwin Ong said the association was also putting together a book on the 30 ethnic groups in Sarawak.
“I am currently working on the book, which I hope will promote the state not only to the country but also internationally,” he said at a press conference to announce the upcoming exhibition.
Ong said the book would allow people to understand the state’s indigenous ethnic groups including the Melanau.
He said the Melanau were the most diverse that he had photographed.
The Melanau people, he said, have existed for 1,000 years.
“Melanau was also one of the vassal states under Majapahit Kingdom in 1365. Later, they entered Brunei and Sarawak.
“Today, 70% of them are Muslims, 18% are Christians and 7% practise folk religion,” he said.
Ong said that when there were festival celebrations or wedding ceremonies, the Melanau would serve their most expensive delicacy – rame.
“Melanau from Mukah have three precious treasures.
“Mukah is located where saltwater and freshwater meet, so seafood is the first treasure.
“The second treasure is sago – their daily staple food.
“Linut is a paste made from sago. Sago palm is also the raw material for ulat mulong, also called siet,” he said.
“The third treasure is the Kaul Festival – a famous sea festival known domestically and internationally,” he added.
Sarawak Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Michael Tiang said documenting the culture and traditions of the Melanau through photography was a good way of introducing them to the world.
“This exhibition will help attract tourists to Sibu and Sarawak,” he said.
“I believe the book will be successful and will eventually help promote the beauty of Sarawak’s culture.”
He also hoped for similar exhibitions involving the state’s other ethnic groups to be held.
