Art of the matter: Samri giving a briefing on his creations to visitors at the Malaysian International Pavilion in London. — Bernama
LONDON: The unique woodcarving and woven crafts of the Mah Meri Orang Asli community were showcased in the British capital.
One of the participants, woodcarving expert A. Samri Abdul Rahman, aims to keep this cultural heritage alive.
Samri, 48, who makes traditional Mah Meri tribal masks and figures, was among seven craft experts who were here to display their work at the Malaysian International Pavilion set up in conjunction with the 2023 London Craft Week.
Samri, who hails from the Orang Asli Village of Sungai Bumbun, Pulau Carey in Selangor, mesmerised visitors with his skill in carving wooden blocks into unique figures, steeped in the history of the Mah Meri – the majority of whom live along the coast of Selangor.
He began woodcarving at the age of 23 under the tutelage of his uncle Pion Anak Bumbung, and has since been abroad several times to participate in art and craft exhibitions.
Master craftsman: Samri giving a demonstration during the exhibition. — Bernama
The father of two has twice held Mah Meri figure and mask carving demonstrations in Paris, and has been involved in craft expositions in Shanghai, Bangkok, Bali and London.
“I continue to produce this type of craft inherited from my ancestors out of passion and interest, and I want the younger generation of the Mah Meri to continue the legacy, as it can also generate income,” he said.
Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah led the Malaysian delegation in the exhibition themed “Abstract Nature: Malaysia’s Heritage Crafts” from May 6 to May 14, featuring heritage crafts and products showcasing Malaysia’s rich cultural landscape, especially of the Malays, Orang Asli folk of Semelai from Pahang, Mah Meri, and the Orang Asal ethnic groups of Sabah and Sarawak.
The exhibition was held at the Malaysian High Commission in Belgrave Square.
With this being his second stint in London after a craft exhibition in Southbank in 2012, Samri described it as an opportunity for him to highlight the crafts and traditional heritage products of the Mah Meri tribe to the world.As for Maznah Unyan, she showcased the art of weaving nipah, coconut and pandan leaves – an activity close to the hearts of Mah Meri women.
She learned the art of weaving from her mother and relatives since she was 11 years old.
Maznah, 55, is an expert at producing wearable items such as dendan (dress), songkok (headband), necklaces, skirts as well as decorative flowers with motifs from natural resources and flowers.
She has a weaving workshop and centre in Sungai Bumbun.
Maznah said the skill of weaving Mah Meri decorative origami such as birds, prawns, dolphins, and other personal ornaments was a legacy of her ancestors.
Besides conducting a weaving demonstration at the exhibition here, Maznah also held a workshop on weaving nipah and mengkuang leaves. — Bernama
