Material Adjustments/Alteration/Modification in Handicraft by the Malay Muslim Community in Saribas, Sarawak

Abstract

This research aims to look at the material changes that occur among craft makers in Saribas, Sarawak which focuses on the development of the use of materials to produce handicrafts in the modern era that faces the challenge of deficiency natural resources. Handicraft means the production of useful tools (Utility), or decorative tools using hand skills or the help of simple tools traditionally. In the modern era, handicrafts in Saribas are still traditional products produced individually or in groups for commercial purposes on a small scale. The results of the field study, found that the production and sale of handicrafts is one of the sources of income for a handful of villagers. The production of handicrafts usually uses forest products, but recently craft makers have been found to be more creative in utilizing alternative materials to replace the original one. Based on the qualitative methods that have been carried out, the results of observations clearly there are some significant changes in craft materials where more use of plastic-based material sources or other alternative materials that are similar in nature to the original material. The study concludes, modern era handicrafts have undergone a process of innovation due to the development of crafts which have marked changes from traditional crafts, especially on artificial materials which have undergone almost 90 percent change, while functions in modern society have also undergone significant changes and need reinterpretation from semiotic point of view. This field of handicraft production is seen to have great potential to be developed more comprehensively in the future. Especially in small districts such as Saribas, which can indirectly open up more job opportunities to locals.