Juliana Anak Embro

Beaded and Batiking an Eco-Friendly Legacy

In Sarawak, Malaysia, master beadwork artist Juliana Embrose is a torchbearer of traditional crafts. The Iban and Orang Ulu people are experts in beaded bodices, or ‘marek empang,’ and ‘kabo’, beaded necklaces, which are more than ornamental; they are living artifacts and markers of regional identity. Cultural treasures like ‘ba’ baby carriers and ‘sa’ong’ sun hats, although rarer, have also endured as symbols of Malaysian heritage.

Juliana, daughter of a Biatah Bidayuh farmer, has not only mastered the intricate craft of beadwork but has become a dedicated teacher, passing down skills learned from her grandmother. Her beadwork exhibits a blend of tradition and innovation. Recognized by prestigious institutions like the Sarawak Crafts Council and Kraftangan Malaysia, Juliana’s art has transcended borders, collaborating with renowned fashion designers and gracing global events.