KUCHING, April 26: Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah today visited Ranee Brooke Museum and explored the exhibition at the Old Courthouse.
On hand to welcome her Majesty was the Chief Minister’s wife, Datin Patinggi Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Minister of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Deputy State Secretary Datu Dr Sabariah Putit as well as Sabati members, which comprises wives of ministers and assistant ministers.
At the museum, the Raja Permaisuri Agong gained insights into the life, legend and legacy of Margaret de Windt, wife of the second Rajah Brooke, who became the queen (the Ranee) of Sarawak at the age of 19.
One of Ranee Margaret’s greatest contributions to the state was her appreciation for skills such as songket weaving and keringkam embroidery, leading her to be a patron to such crafts and having her personal collection exhibited in the museum.
A book titled ‘Songket and Keringkam: Malay Heritage of Sarawak’, a piece of headscarf with keringkam embroidery and a handbag specifically woven with gold keringkam were presented to the Queen as souvenirs from the state government.
The book features the uniqueness of the beautiful handwoven Sarawak songket and keringkam embroidery unfolded in an in-depth study that included their history, applications, motifs, philosophy and product innovations.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg launched the coffee table book on October 31 last year.
The Raja Permaisuri Agong later observed artisans demonstrate handicrafts-making skills as well as cooking traditional Sarawak food. — DayakDaily
