The Sarawak Craft Council
(SCC)
serves as a coordinating body between the various government
agencies involved in handicraft development in Sarawak.
In an area roughly the size of England live 27 distinct ethnic
groups speaking more than 40 languages. Each group has its own
culture, crafts and legends. This diversity is the fertile ground in
which Sarawak creativity flourishes.
A myriad origins, legends, beliefs and customs give rise to crafts
that turn everyday objects into collector’s pieces.
Threads from all over Asia are woven into ethnic Sarawakian crafts.
The legends of each ethnic group, their origins lost in the mists of
time, are kept alive by local craftsmen.
What attracts most visitors to Sarawak is its ethnic diversity.
There are 27 distinct indigenous ethnic groups that speak 45
different languages and dialects and are proud to call Sarawak their
home. That's the official figure. And that's not counting the Malays
and the many different Chinese groups with all their different
dialects that have also settled in Sarawak. The Ibans are the most
numerous and famous of Sarawak's ethnic groups. Once the legendary
warriors of Borneo, the most feared of the headhunting tribes, they
have adopted a peaceful agrarian lifestyle. But their warrior past
is reflected in their handicrafts. The 26 other groups are equally
gracious and engaging hosts. The Bidayuh, formerly known as the
"Land Dayaks", enchanted the first White Rajah with their
gentleness. Then there are the Melanau fisherman of the littorals of
Central Sarawak, and the multitude of upriver tribes who
collectively form the Orang Ulu (people of the headwaters); the
nomadic Penan, guardians of the rainforest.
For further information about Sarawak
Handicraft, please contact:
Sarawak Craft Council
Round Tower, Lot 32, Section 25,
KTLD, Jalan Tun Abg. Hj.Openg,
93100 Kuching, Sarawak.
Tel: (6082) 245652, 252241
Fax: (6082) 420253
Email:
enquiries@sarawakhandicraft.com
Web:
www.sarawakhandicraft.com
Related Links:
-
Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex
-
Malaysia Tourism Centre, MTC
-
Visit Malaysia Year 2007
-
KL Bird Park
-
National Science Centre
-
National Art Gallery
-
Sarawak Tourism Website
-
Official Tourism Site for other states in
Malaysia
-
Penang Bridge
-
Penang Ferry Service
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