BIRD AS A SUBJECT IN WOOD CARVING MOTIFS: AN OBSERVATION ON BAJAU TRADITIONAL WEAPONS

Mohammed Iqbal Badaruddin,Mohd Shahrul Hisham Ahmad Tarmizi,Zaimie Sahibil,Simon Soon,Luqman Lee

doi:10.22452/brj.vol13no1.7

Mohammed Iqbal Badaruddin, Mohd Shahrul Hisham Ahmad Tarmizi + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.22452/brj.vol13no1.7

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Abstract

The wood carving on the hilt and sheath (taguban) of parang (machete) created by the Bajau craftsmanship in Kota Belud is well-known for its uniqueness across Sabah. This study discusses the stylisation and value of appreciation from the philosophy of Bajau’s craftsmanship and the influence of the wood carving motif designs. The subject of birds is interpreted as a pattern in wood carving on either on the hilt, the tagubantaguban (sheath) or bladed weapon. Among the examples of bird’s subjects include hornbills, birds, manuk (rooster) and naga (dragons). This study aims to comprehend Bajau’s parang weapons, addressing the bird’s motif and its connection to mythical and cosmological values and why the study of the values expressed Bajau craftsmanship concerning the principles of Malay aesthetics as it expands the cultural reach of the Bajaus across the Malay Archipelago. This research is conducted through in-depth interviews with Bajau parang craftsmen as well as through participant observation at their workshop and exhibitions. Semantic Differential method is used in the research to understand what the larger community of Bajau craftsmen recognise to be the values inherent in their artform. The authors refer to Zakaria Ali’s six principles of Malay aesthetics to understand how the parang-wood carving traditions of the Bajau conform to these principles. It is within this early cosmopolitan history that the bird design motif can be understood as a motif that embodies both local

Highlights

The uniqueness of Bajau Sama carvings in Sabah is one of the attractions for both local as well as international wood carving enthusiasts
The scope of this study is to examine the uniqueness of the carved motifs on the hilts and taguban of Bajau traditional weapons that were inspired by birds, manuk and naga
The 6 principles of Malay aesthetic in art and craft by Zakaria Ali are applied in their traditional weapons which help the researcher to analyse and understand the functions, purpose and even Bajau Darat’s philosophy in parang making

Summary

Introduction

The uniqueness of Bajau Sama carvings in Sabah is one of the attractions for both local as well as international wood carving enthusiasts. The carving motifs are among the heritage of art that have been inherited from the time before the coming of Islam to Sabah in 13th century CE. It is often regarded as the identity and symbol of culture and customs for every tribe in Borneo. As it illustrates the cultural values and beliefs of mythology and cosmology of the local community, there are often significant differences in every motif produced by the tribes in Sabah. The scope of this study is to examine the uniqueness of the carved motifs on the hilts and taguban of Bajau traditional weapons that were inspired by birds, manuk (rooster) and naga (dragon)

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Conclusion