Placements and influences on woodcarvings of traditional Malay houses in Negeri Sembilan

Abstract

Woodcarving is a form of art depicting the carver’s intentions and emotions which are laid out on a canvas of timber panels. Despite mass application of woodcarvings in Traditional Malay Houses around Malaysia, the knowledge behind the placements and influences of woodcarvings implemented in Negeri Sembilan needs further research in order to define, identify and differentiate local woodcarvings. This study aims at investigating the placements and influences on woodcarvings of Traditional Malay Houses in Negeri Sembilan through detailed analysis and synthesis of the woodcarvings used. Qualitative research methodologies were used; firstly based on 15 case studies of Traditional Malay Houses in Negeri Sembilan and secondly through content analysis of books, reports, journals and measured drawings. 15 research samples were obtained from measured drawings archived by the Centre for the Study of the Built Environment in the Malay World (KALAM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Analysis of the data gathered through the various means mentioned above suggested that the woodcarving designs and placements have similar cultural influences of Minangkabau, Chinese and Javanese with religious influences from Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. These placements and influences were incorporated with local designs which made the juxtaposition of the woodcarvings found in Negeri Sembilan involving many cultural, religious and political influences. The findings indicated that woodcarvings of Traditional Malay Houses in Negeri Sembilan are infused with a variety of placements and influences which ultimately provided some insight into the multicultural and multi-faith community that live side by side in Negeri Sembilan. Even though they were from different backgrounds, the locals and outsiders lived peacefully together and their influences were depicted on the woodcarvings of the Traditional Malay Houses in Negeri Sembilan.