Silat
This fascinating Malay martial art is also an international sport
and traditional dance form. Existing in the Malay Archipelago for
centuries, it has mesmerising fluid movements that are used to
dazzle opponents. It is believed that practising silat
will increase one's spiritual strength in accordance with Islamic
tenets. Accompanied by drums and gongs, this ancient art is
popularly performed at Malay weddings and cultural festivals.
Sepak Takraw
Also known as sepak raga, it is a traditional ball game
in which a ball made by weaving strips of buluh or bamboo is
passed about using any part of the body except the lower arms and
hands. There are two main types of sepak takraw: bulatan
(circle) and jaring (net). Sepak raga bulatan is the
original form in which players form a circle and try to keep the
ball in the air for as long as possible. Sepak takraw jaring
is the modern version in which the ball is passed across a court
over a high net.
Wau
A wau is a traditional kite that is especially popular in
the state of Kelantan, on the East Coast of Malaysia.
Traditionally flown after the rice harvest season, these giant
kites are often as big as a man - measuring about 3.5 metres from
head to tail. It is called wau because its shape is similar to the
Arabic letter that is pronounced as 'wow'. With vibrant colours
and patterns based on local floral and fauna, these kites are
truly splendid sights.
Gasing
A gasing is a giant spinning top that weighs
approximately 5kg or 10lbs and may be as large as a dinner plate.
Traditionally played before the rice harvest season, this game
requires strength, co-ordination and skill. The top is set
spinning by unfurling a rope that has been wound around it. Then
it is scooped off the ground, whilst still spinning, using a
wooden bat with a centre slit and transferred onto a low post with
a metal receptacle. If expertly hurled, it can spin for up to 2
hours.
Wayang Kulit
Wayang kulit is a traditional theatre form that brings
together the playfulness of a puppet show, and the elusive quality
and charming simplicity of a shadow play. The flat two-dimensional
puppets are intricately carved, then painted by hand.It is either
made of cow or buffalo hide. Each puppet, a stylised exaggeration
of the human shape, is given a distinctive appearance and not
unlike its string puppet cousins, has jointed "arms". Conducted by
a singular master storyteller called Tok Dalang, wayang
kulit usually dramatises ancient Indian epics.
Congkak
Congkak is a game of mathematics played by womenfolk in
ancient times that only required dug out holes in the earth and
tamarind seeds. Today, it is an oval solid wood block with two
rows of five, seven, or nine holes and two large holes at both
ends called "home". Congkak, played with shells, marbles,
pebbles or tamarind seeds, requires two players.
Chingay
Famously from the state of Penang, Chingay or The Giant
Flags Procession is a spectacular procession that celebrates the
arrival of spring during the New Year season. Its trademark
elements are giant triangular flags and lanterns. These flags on
equally huge poles are balanced on performers foreheads, chins,
lower jaws and shoulders. Other entertainers include dancers,
jugglers and magicians.
Sepak Manggis
Sepak manggis is a unique outdoor game played by the
Bajau and Iranun men of Sabah. Forming a circle and facing each
other, players aim to strike the bunga manggis floral
carrier that dangles from a 10-metre high pole. The winner will be
rewarded with money, gifts or edibles, which are in the carrier. |