Izah Azahari
While it is undeniable that the use of woven fabrics today has grown, the currents of globalisation and post-modernisation have had an impact on the preservation of the heritage art of kain tenunan.
Concerns over the future of the production and use of these woven fabrics have arisen.
This was said by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah during a virtual paper presentation alongside Ethnography Officer at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Pengiran Md Wafi bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim yesterday.
The speakers also highlighted that the preservation of culture needs to utilise material culture.
Woven fabrics especially has potential as a commodity for commercialisation, which can drive its sustainability in Bruneian society.
Kain tenunan (woven cloth) is an important heritage art and example of material culture that manifests national identity.
It can play a major role in contributing to the preservation and strengthening of Bruneian society through its cultural identity.
The paper was tabled during the 15th presentation series of International Malay Language, Literature and Culture Congress (KABSBM) in conjunction with Language Month organised by the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) and chaired by the DBP Acting Director Suip bin Haji Abdul Wahab.
Streamed live via the DBP Facebook page and Zoom application, the speakers’ collaborative paper titled ‘Pelestarian Budaya Tenunan melalui Komersialisasi’ discussed the use of kain tenunan as not being not limited to formal ceremonies, but also at social events among the Brunei Malay community.
A total of 146 participants took part in yesterday’s KABSBM, including DBP Acting Deputy Director Hajah Sariani binti Haji Ishak, local and international speakers, DBP strategic partners, senior government officials, as well as local and international enthusiasts of language, literature and culture.
KABSBM is supported by Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan, Brunei Youth Council, Asterawani and Putra Seni Group.
KABSBM is a series of talks held from March 16 to June 22, featuring working papers on Mondays and Wednesdays.
The congress will see three keynote papers and 20 accompanying papers being delivered.