Differences in the types of kelingkan shawls in Malaysia

Abstract

The art of kelingkan embroidery is a valuable traditional heritage for women. Kelingkan shawls are still worn in the community during important ceremonies, especially weddings. This heritage is a Malay handicraft that is pioneered by women and kelingkan is still made on a small scale in the states of Sarawak, Selangor, and Kelantan. Understanding regarding the types of kelingkan shawls is important for the community, especially those who are kelingkan shawl enthusiasts, so that this form of traditional kelingkan shawl will endure, though some changes have occurred in the creation of kelingkan due to modernization. To conclude this problem, two questions have emerged - What are the types of kelingkan shawls in Malaysia and What are the differences between traditional and modern kelingkan shawls? This study applies the descriptive qualitative approach through fieldwork such as observations, collection studies in Malaysia, specifically the Malay Peninsula in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Kelantan and Terengganu, as well as in Kuching, Sarawak, where interviews were held with embroiderers and library research was conducted. As a result, this study has found that traditional kelingkan shawls can be divided into two types, namely square or rectangular ones, using silver or gold kelingkan thread. Meanwhile, modern kelingkan shawls can be divided into 3 types - square, rectangle and triangle, which all still use silver and gold kelingkan thread, as well as colorful metal strips. The implications of this study is that it can provide knowledge and understanding to the community, especially those who are interested in or are studying kelingkan shawls in Malaysia. It will encourage them to know more about the changes that are happening to Malay artistic heritage and how it can be sustained in Malaysia