Description

by Reita Rahim (2010)
Photos by Reita Rahim

Published 2010 by Elevyn Sdn Bhd, Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

ISBN 978-967-5960-00-0

34 pages + iv pages, with colour photos and map
Includes a glossary

* proceeds from the sale of this booklet is channelled into the Tabung Anyam (Weaving Fund) to be managed by Gerai OA. This Fund will aid Orang Asli pandanus weavers in the purchase of chemical dyestuff and related equipment, as well as to fund micro-training workshops for the Orang Asli within the Gerai OA network.

Synopsis
Anyam celebrates the under-appreciated craft and culture of pandanus weaving among the Orang Asli, the indigenous minorities of Peninsular Malaysia.

Compiled from information shared by Orang Asli master-weavers within the Gerai OA network, this illustrative booklet documents the ethnobotany of Pandanus or screw-pine, its cultivation, harvesting practices as well as processing methods.

An overview of the different pandanus species used - both wild-harvested and cultivated, and the subtle differences in processing and weaving techniques between different Orang Asli ethnic groups are also looked at.

Dyes, dyeing techniques and the different Aslian anyam weaving techniques are described and illustrated as are the origins of some motifs in the Orang Asli repertoire.

There are also descriptions and photographs of the different Aslian crafts made from pandanus including those now rare or obsolete.

Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
Map of production sites
About the Orang Asli
Living off the land
Anyaman traditions
Pandanus, the plant
Types of pandanus
wild-harvested pandanus
cultivated pandanus
Cultivating pandanus
Harvesting methods
Processing methods
Natural dyes & resins
Chemical dyes
Modern dyeing methods
Anyam techniques
The nature of motifs
Mats, plain & patterned
Betel boxes, pouches & trays
Fine pouches & wallets
Household & kitchen containers
Burden baskets
Obscure & lesser uses
The Age of plastic
Weaving a new future
Glossary
Reference Cited & Bibliography