5.0 Decorating In Malay House

5.0 Decorating In Malay House

In Malaya, the art of carving is well known in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu , Kedah and Negeri Sembilan.

This is because these states have had close ties with the Patani which is a center of the famous carving activities in the past. The relationship between this state has to some extent affected the development and ways of the carving art.

In the construction of traditional houses, wood carving art is not just a purely decorative element but has functionality that is integrated in the houses. Such as carving decorative perforation used in places where the flow of air as an element separating surface between the inner space and the outer space.

In addition, these carving can produce interesting patterns when viewed both from outside and inside the house. Carving patterns are also divided into several types such as normal pattern and pattern of punched and engraved.

The motive that are used on these patterns have some specific meaning and some even has something to do with the spiritual aspect. In Malaya, carving motifs are more geared toward the appreciation of the art that is based on Islamic principles and are also oriented off plants, geometry and calligraphy.

However, in limited circumstances a variety of interesting patterns were produced. Some of these patterns are still used in a traditional house until now. This result clearly shows the fineness of carving art and skills of wood carvers who are still maintained until now.

However in recent years, traditional houses have been endangered and not widely established anymore. Those that still existing house had become dilapidated in terms of maintenance. This may be caused by a lack of skilled carpenters like the old days.

The development and influence of modern architecture has influenced the design of the houses in Malaysia. Modern houses that are made of bricks and concrete have been established more widely compared to the wooden house.

The situation is also worsened when wood is used as raw material for export commodities. Among the patterns of carving art on a Malay house is Papan Layang Pattern , Papan Kepala Cicak Pattern, and Papan Jerejak Tingkap Pattern.