The parade of the usungan practices in sarawak coastal community

Abstract

The parade of the “usungan/tandu” is a unique traditional practice and is still performed by coastal communities of Sarawak. A parade is locally known as the “usungan/tandu” which is usually performed at the “khatam” al-Quran event. It is a tradition to celebrate the success of their children who have just completed the Holy al-Quran recitation. However, this tradition is practiced only in a few areas among the local coastal communities namely Kabong, Belawai, Bintulu, Mukah and Dalat that are actively practicing it up to this day. The practice which involves traditional skills is at risk of dying out. The privilege of this practice is not merely on the practical side, but it also has a high visual aesthetic value. The methods used in this study are interviews, observations and co-creation to assist the community in designing the “usungan/tandu”. The “usungan/tandu” is designed according to the wishes and demands of children who are participating in the parade. The subject-matters of the design are inspired by the aesthetic qualities of aircraft, cars, houses, mosques, boats, flowers and fishes. The qualities of the “usungan/tandu” provide excitement and overall feeling of the artwork. It is alarming that this practice has been forgotten and most of the coastal area communities do not practice it anymore. In fact, there is no precise and accurate record or documentation done previously for references. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to illustrate the “usungan/tandu” practices and to describe some of the embodiments that have been recorded for future references, and also to explain the uniqueness of “usungan/tandu” practices.