The Determination of Symbolism in Woodcarving at Istana Balai Besar, Kelantan

Abstract

Wood carving is an art that has not been influenced by any other elements and blended with the Malay community especially in the Malay Peninsula to southern province of Thailand with no architectural elements. Back to olden days, carving activity is considered as part-time because it is solely done for the appliances of the dwellings themselves and it is also as one hobby during leisure. Existing research carried out by previous researcher generally explained on the function of this woodcarving art. Therefore, this study was conducted with the primary sole to discover the determination of symbolism in woodcarving at Istana Balai Besar Kelantan and whether it is designed to follow function or the other way round. A qualitative research approach was applied in collecting data through an analytical review from secondary data from existing journal, books and various sources besides conduct an interviews with previous local woodcarvers. The findings reveals that woodcarving at Istana Balai Besar was designed as malay ornamentation, for ventilation, highlight the social status and aethetics purpose.