The Philosophy Behind Terengganu

THE PHILOSOPHY behind TERENGGANU WOODCARVINGS

Text by AZMI ABDULLAH

Among the oldest professions practiced by the people of Terengganu are woodcarving and carpentry. Terengganu wood artisans are known for their skills not only in making beautiful wood carvings but also in the building of boats and traditional houses without using nails.

In traditional homes, woodcarved ventilation panels are placed above doors and windows, adding aesthetic value. Such technology enables the interior of the homes to remain cool when it is hot outside and thermally comfortable during inclement tropical weather. From the entire house down to its beams, hallways, ornate doors, window shutters and furniture, the exquisite and brilliant wood craftsmanship can even be found on beds, jewelry boxes, mirror frames, and sofas. The wood carvers today draw inspirations from Islamic designs, plants and nature, and interpret their work by carving intricate flowery motifs, Quranic verses and Islamic geometrical designs, shunning depictions of animals or humans. However, some of these motifs have existed for hundreds of years, even before the pre-Islamic era and served as visual interpretations of legends and myths. Originally, each motif was derived from a legend or folklore, but with the advent of Islam, the interpretation of the motifs has been changed to suit the faith.

An excellent destination for cultural enthusiasts to witness Terengganu woodcarving is Desa Ukiran Kayu (Woodcarving Village) in Kampung Raja, Besut (http://mdb.terengganu.gov.my/en/visitors/places-interest/desaukiran-kayu), which holds workshops and classes for budding woodcarvers, thus become a centre for vocational excellence. Not only are travellers able to see woodcarvers at work, they can appreciate the wooden structures found throughout the Village too, all built in traditional Terengganu Malay architecture.

Today, there is an increasing awareness among the people, especially the elites, to preserve this heritage and adorn their homes, including corporate offices, government departments, universities, hotels and resorts, with traditional Malay woodcrafts as part of cultural revival.

The History of Woodcarving

There are not many early historical records relating to woodcarving. But the archeological remains from the Neolithic age show evidence of carvings on potteries, bracelets, pitchers and crockeries. In the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Kedah, there are generations of carvers’ who are still influenced by Langkasuka motifs and designs that grace the mosques, gazebos, and palaces, especially in the Pattani region of Southern Thailand.

The Malay traditional woodcarving is one of the oldest works of art. But because wood is a material with short lifespan, it is rare to find wood-based artefacts that last for thousands of years. There are however a few archaelogical remains of woodcarving that can be traced, for instance an old keris, antique crockery, ancient palaces, and mosques that withstood the test of time.

The Philosophy

The philosophy behind traditional woodcarving revolves around the motifs that possess priceless aesthetic value conveyed in intricate artforms. The design motifs created are not only meant to be appreciated as beautiful showpieces, but they resonate with symbolic meanings as well to connote the Malay community’s reverence towards virtues such as being gracious, cultured and upright.

Traditional wood carving motifs are often associated with the carvers, their fine workmanship, the purpose of the carving, creativity and symbolic underpinnings. The merits of woodcarving go beyond the surface. Beneath the layers of purpose, workmanship, skills, creativity and symbols, lies the identity of the Malay carver.

The motifs on a woodcarving signify the attributes of the Malay character through tangible forms, normally based upon visual expressions, sosiocultural background and community’s beliefs. The meanings, when unravelled, uphold the philosophy behind the carvings. An example of the philosophy that refers to the qualities of the Malay character can be found in statements such as ‘A Sprouting Attribute’, ‘An Attribute Full Of Secrecy’, ‘Sharp Enough But Not Thrusting The Enemy’, and ‘The Circumference That Collaborates Friendship’.

1. An Expression of Devotion The philosophical meaning of ‘A Sprouting Attribute’ symbolises the Malay community’s devotion in accepting Islam as the way of life. Visually, the motifs on the carvings are sourced based on the carver’s own perception and expression, depicted by sprouting motifs like seedlings or flowers to mean that all humans are related and come from a single source created by Allah.

Similarly, the philosophy ‘An Attribute Full of Secrecy’ refers to the fact that all motifs on the woodcarving starts from a hidden base point, implying that the might of Allah is always shrouded in secrecy from humans because their minds will never be able to fathom the greatness of the Creator.

2. An Expression of Peace The philosophical meaning of ‘Sharp Enough But Not Thrusting The Enemy’ relates to the Malays’ inclination towards peace. The sharp woodcarving motifs tend to avoid touching or colliding with each other, reflecting the Malays’ desire for peace and diplomacy, yet at the same time always have their weapons sharp and ready.

3. An Expression of Togetherness The philosophical meaning behind ‘The Circumference That Collaborates Friendship’ is the manifestation of togetherness. The woodcarving motifs are designed in a circumference and in stacks to reflect harmony and consensus. It reflects a way of life that is always collaborative and supportive towards each other, resulting in peace and togetherness, strengthening the bond within members of the community.

4. An Expression of Loyalty The patrons to the woodcarvers in a traditional Malay community were usually monarchs and aristrocrats. In most cases, the woodcarvings found at the palaces were commissioned by royalty. The woodcarvers appointed by the royal palace generally hold higher status and demonstrated their loyalty, commitment, dedication and appreciation through their vocation, done to the best of their abilities.

5. An Expression of Tenderness The expression of tenderness of the Malay character is revealed through rhythmic motifs; the contortions and flows depicted in the curves of the leaves and motifs mean graciousness and endearment, considered part of the Malay character.

6. An Expression of Refinement Besides functionality, the best woodcarving products lie in their aesthetics. But achieving the highest aesthetic standards requires creativity, knowledge, skills and acumen. The woodcarver should be able to elegantly portray his emotions through every design and motif.

Conclusion

One can learn about the Malay character from the motifs of the traditional woodcarving, especially in terms of kinship, unity and togetherness, all expressed through the motifs. Carvers whose works contain philosophies representing the attributes of the Malay character through intricate motifs tend to produce woodcarvings that are high in aesthetic value and deep in meaning. Text is based from the book ‘The Expression of Malay Identity Behind Traditional Wood Carving’ (‘Ekspresi Keperibadian Melayu Di Sebalik Ukiran Kayu Tradisional’) by Izani bin Mat Il, Faculty of Art, Computing & Creative Industry, Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI).