Indigenous Weaving and Beading from Sarawak, Borneo

Basketry, in all forms, is the most commonly used craft amongst the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, and other Indigenous communities of Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Each basket is plaited by hand using only natural fibers such as rattan, bamboo, or fern stems. Simple and robust baskets are associated with the rice planting cycle, and finer baskets are made for special occasions or to be exchanged as part of wedding dowries. Additionally, finely woven mats are the pride of the family in the longhouse community, and the maker’s artistic ability gives her special status. 

Senia Jugi learned the art of weaving from her parents when she was just eight years old. Her interest in the art of basketry led her to learn all the various forms of Iban baskets, including those that are rare and made only for important festivals and rituals. Over time, she became an expert in weaving topi tunjang hats. These hats are traditionally worn by men of the Iban culture; Their pointed crowns symbolize blessings from heaven. Senia has innovated its traditional designs. One particularly distinctive modification is the “Tree of Life” element, wherein the crowns burst with ribbons of rattan. A master of her craft, Senia was awarded the UNESCO Award of Excellence, and she was recognized in 2019 as a Living Legend by the Sarawak State Government.

New to AHPADA’s collection of hats and baskets are the handwoven ikat textiles of Thailand, known as Mudmee. Mudmees come in silk and cotton variations and are woven on handlooms. The Khon Kaen Mudmee ikat textiles have strong cultural heritage motifs such as stylized lotus flowers, temples, scrolls, naga dragons, birds, and cockerels. Mudmees are often worn for special festivals and weddings. Through the introduction of new color combinations and elaborate designs, mudmees are not only an intangible cultural heritage of the country, but a major economic boost for the women who earn livelihoods from their weaving.