Malaysian handcrafted souvenirs

The term souvenir is derived from a French term meaning memory or remembrance. Souvenirs are integral to a holiday, for they help us remember the wonderful times we have had at a particular destination. Most souvenirs take the form of kitschy t-shirts, post cards, fridge magnet and the lot, but in Malaysia, a country with a rich tradition of arts and crafts; souvenirs take the form of stunning handcrafted wares.

Popular and much coveted Malaysian handcrafted souvenirs include:

Batik and songket textile products

Malaysia is famed for the production of handcrafted batik and songket(a plush brocade-like fabric). Both these textiles are the product of art forms handed down through generations and are used to fashion apparel and various lifestyle products though songket, which is produced by hand weaving gold and silver threads, is much more exclusive and expensive as well.

Beadwork

Malaysia’s indigenous peoples like the Orang Ulu and Iban tribes are known to produce quality beadwork items like lampshades, collars and necklaces, which are much sought after.

Nyonya wares

Malaysia’s Peranakan people are not only known for their excellent culinary skills, but are also much admired skills like embroidery and glass beading. These skills are used to produce classic Nyonya wares like intricately beaded slippers, handbags, coin purses and phone covers and so on, which make for popular keepsakes from Penang and Melaka, destinations with substantial Peranakan populations. Also finding favor is the much embellished, sarong kebaya (skirt and blouse) attire traditionally sported by Peranakan womenfolk.

Silver ware and Pewter

Malaysia is a powerhouse of resources and is blessed with seemingly inexhaustible supply of materials like silver, pewter (an alloy of tin) and many others.  Some of these metals are used to make various home wares and lifestyle products much favored as keepsakes. Silverware products from Kelantan like fruit bowls, tea sets, ashtrays, brooches and bracelets are renowned for their intricate designs and excellent workmanship and are highly coveted.

 

 

Woodcarvings

Woodcarvings are popular throughout Malaysia but ornamental woodcarvings from the states of Kelantan and Terengganu are especially well known as they are used to adorn dagger handles and a variety of furniture items.

Pottery

Malaysian pottery items like vases, jars and water receptacles are handcrafted in states like Perak and Sarawak and are popular mementos as well.

Forest fiber items

Most of Malaysia is covered by dense rainforests. These green lungs provide a steady supply of forest fibers like rattan, bamboo, ribu-ribu, pandanus , mengkuang  and so forth. Local artists and indigenous people coil, intertwine, weave and plait these fibers to make functional and ornamental mats, bags, baskets and more, all popular souvenir items.