The Structure of Malay Woodcarving Motifs in Craft Education Module

Abstract

This chapter presents an attempt to examine the characteristics of the design motifs employed as an integral part of wood carvings, which in doing so manifest the cultural values that exist between the religious and cultural heritage of the Malays. Malay woodcarving is perceived and modeled upon a Malay-centric world view. Cultural identity is a treasure that vitalizes mankind to seek nurture in its past, by assimilating the contributions from other cultures that are compatible with its own norms in continuing the process of its own artistic creation. An aim to study the structure of Terengganu Malay traditional woodcarving motifs based on interpretations of Malay aesthetic principles and elements is being applied to the new design motifs in contemporary artwork of painting and installation art. The artist's statement is related to a master carver to create the new motif design interpreting Malay aesthetic principles and elements in their work. Based on collective information , it can be said that the structure of Terengganu Malay traditional wood-carving motifs is determined by three steps of structural motif. The findings of these three steps are vital in understanding the intricate artworks of woodcarving motifs. They should be used as guidelines by those who are related in the artwork fields such as the artist creating a new design, thus giving meaning and depth to overall work, without sacrificing the unique Malay aesthetics and identity. In the syllabus of visual art education (craft education-related courses) in secondary schools and also in the Department of Art and Design Education, Faculty of Education, UiTM should introduce the topic of creating motifs and patterns according to culture, tradition, and heritage. On that topic, students are required to create their masterpieces according to the three stages presented in this research. Hence, students should know and be introduced to our cultures which have their own rules and structures in creating new motifs before applying them in visual arts artwork.