Terengganu Songket: Unique Malay Traditional Weaving Art
Songket Terengganu is one of the traditional Malay weaving art heritage that is very famous in Malaysia. Known for the fine art and skill of the weavers, this songket not only reflects the beauty of Malay culture and tradition, but also symbolizes social status and wealth. This songket is produced through a complicated weaving process that requires patience, precision, and high skill. This article will cover the history, weaving techniques, unique motifs, and the importance of Terengganu songket in Malay society.
Songket Terengganu
Songket is believed to have existed since the time of the old Malay kingdoms, and Terengganu became one of the famous songket production centers in the region. The art of weaving was introduced to Terengganu through maritime trade, where traders from India, China, and the Middle East brought with them weaving techniques as well as silk and gold threads. Terengganu songket became widely known in the 18th and 19th centuries, when it became a favorite among the Malay nobility and royalty.
Difference Between Songket Terengganu and Other Songket
Terengganu Original Songket Weaving Technique
The process of making original Terengganu songket is very complex and takes a long time to complete. It involves several key steps, including yarn preparation, yarn dyeing, and weaving. The weaving technique used is the "embroidery" technique where gold or silver threads are embroidered into the woven fabric. This gold or silver thread gives the songket a unique and elegant shine, making each piece of songket look luxurious and exclusive.
Songket fabric is woven using a traditional tool known as "kek" or "anda". This weaving process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the design and the size of the fabric produced. Each weaver has his own style and technique, which makes each piece of songket a unique work of art.
Unique Motifs and Designs
The motifs of this songket are usually elements of nature, flora, fauna, and geometric elements. Motifs such as cloves, hibiscus, bamboo shoots, and larat clouds are among the most popular. Each motif has its own meaning and is often associated with beliefs and symbolism in Malay culture. For example, the bamboo shoot motif symbolizes growth and development, while the hibiscus motif depicts beauty and elegance.
In addition, the colors used in songket also play an important role. Colors such as red, gold, blue, green, and black are often used and have their own symbolic meaning. The colors gold and red, for example, are often associated with wealth and luxury.
The importance of Terengganu Songket in Malay Culture
This songket is not just a woven fabric; it is also a symbol of identity and pride of the Malay community. It is often used in traditional ceremonies such as weddings, engagements, and official ceremonies. Songket is also the main choice in traditional clothing such as baju kurung, baju kebaya, and baju Melayu.
In addition, this songket also plays an important role in the local economy. The songket industry provides employment opportunities for the local population and is the main source of income for the weavers who inherit this skill from generation to generation. The government and cultural bodies are also actively promoting Terengganu songket as one of the high value cultural tourism products.
Conclusion
Efforts to preserve and promote this songket need to be continued so that this artistic heritage lives on and is appreciated by future generations. If you want to buy original Terengganu songket, you can visit Noor Arfa Craft Complex (NACC) or make an online purchase at Nursongket.com easily.
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