Criteria for Selecting Timber Species in Malay Woodcarving

Abstract

Malay woodcarvers in Peninsular Malaysia and Southern Thailand observed three determining factors in selecting timber species for their carvings. The factors are availability of timber, physical characteristics and durability, and craftsmen’s spiritual beliefs toward the timber species. Most carved building components are made from heavy hardwood species such as cengal and merbau because of their strength and durability and availability of sawn timber in large volumes. Motifs of flora, calligraphy, geometry, fauna and cosmic features are depicted on to the components as well as to crafts such as weapons, utensils, tools and furniture. However timber species with fine grains and lustrous surfaces and believed to possess strong spirit such as kemuning and kenaung are carved into hilts of weapons. These criteria address the intrinsic knowledge of the woodcarvers upon the beauty and meaning of tropical timbers and hence in the identity of the carving. © 2005, Architectural Institute of Japan. All rights reserved.