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From beautiful sarongs bearing breathtaking batik motifs, elaborate Murut headhunter’s blowpipes, precision Bajau parangs, unique coconut-shaped handbags to intricate tapestry designs, Sabah has plenty to offer.
These products are now finding a world market online and it’s fast becoming a multi-million ringgit industry.
In a recent working visit organised by Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), tourism minister Nancy Shukri, who was recently on a working visit to Sabah, said foreigners were snapping up Sabah craftwork online.
The demand has created a need for more local craft entrepreneurs and noting this, her ministry is offering certificate and diploma level programmes to Sabah youths wishing to try their hand at business.
Sabah crafts that are in demand include:
Tapestry
Sabahans take pride in creating various locally-inspired designs, such as Dastar, Mugah, Ampik, Pis and Sambitan.
Tapestry weaver Hasilahsiratirow Handa told FMT that the ideas for these designs were sparked by the flora and fauna in Sabah’s indigenous ecosystem.
She said every tapestry product — usually used as a wall hanging or to cover furniture — was handmade and that it could take weavers several days to complete just a few metres.
Leaf origami
Pandan and coconut leaves are processed and turned into flexible straws and woven into hats, food wrappers, mats, baskets and other household items.
Bamboo crafts
Bamboo is used for making baskets for fishing. It is also used to make musical instruments, mats, storage chests and trays.
Tree bark craft
A priced craft, Sabah has pencil cases, hats, wooden boxes and handbags made from tree bark. Tree bark jackets and hats are mostly used during wedding ceremonies.
Rattan weaves
Rattan is easily available in Borneo and with weaving being the most popular craft in Sabah, the different ethnic groups produce bags, traditional hats, baskets and mats, among others.
Beadwork
The women are skilled in beadwork and the pattern, colour and motifs indicate their social status and identity. Most of the designs are inspired by nature.
Batik designs
Also inspired by nature are the Sabahan batik patterns which showcase leaves, geometric patterns, animals and flowers.
Tenduang
A food cover in bright colours of yellow, pink and blue, it is mostly made using dried Serdang leaves which resemble those of palms found in swampy areas.
It takes anywhere between a day and three days to complete one tenduang.
Metal crafts
Brass and bronze are traditionally used by Sabahans to craft jewellery, sculptures, utensils and musical instruments and these are also in good demand.
The products are available at the ministry’s e-bazaar site at www.mycraftshoppe.com.
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