Beaded shoes: the culture of Baba Nyonya

Abstract

Despite the rapid changes in shoes’ arts and designs due to globalization of cultures and customs, beaded shoes of Baba and Nyonya (else addressed as Baba Nyonya) remain in demand locally and globally. Baba Nyonya is one of the unique tribe or community in Malaysia because of their practiced lifestyle that harmonically combine both Malay and Chinese cultures. This paper descriptively discussed the basic procedure of making beaded shoes which include the philosophy and variations that still exist nowadays, in addition to discussing the technique applied when making beaded shoes. The paper also discussed about how the heritage of arts is still being applied by new generations these days where this is in parallel with the old quotes ‘the time might not demolish the heritage arts’. The method employed by the researcher include revisiting literature regarding to the beaded shoes introduced by Baba Nyonya community. To earn a depth and detail information regarding to the beaded shoes, an interview was held with the informant which is one of the motivator or advisor that still practices the heritage arts of Baba Nyonya beaded shoes. The responsibility of continuing the culture is deemed vital and important so the new generation will appreciate and practice the culture practiced by Baba Nyonya.