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.
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