By DayakDaily Team
BAGUIO CITY, Dec 3: Sarawak’s vibrant cultural heritage takes centre stage as the delegation led by the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah participates in the World Ikat Textiles Symposium.
The symposium, held at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Centre from Dec 3 to Dec 6, will gather artisans, designers, scholars, and enthusiasts to explore the cultural and artistic dimensions of ikat weaving.
Ikat, a traditional resist-dyeing technique for intricate textile patterns, symbolised Sarawak’s cultural identity.
For example, among the Iban community, the pua kumbu —a handwoven ikat fabric—epitomises centuries-old craftsmanship imbued with spiritual and ceremonial significance.
The ikat textiles of Sarawak represented more than cultural identity, as they play a vital role in heritage tourism and economic empowerment.
Sarawak’s participation in the symposium was to exchange knowledge on ikat weaving techniques and preservation strategies while fostering international collaborations in cultural diplomacy, artistic exchanges, and research.
With contributions from 34 ethnic groups, Sarawak presented itself as the heart of artistic diversity.
The symposium will also serve as a platform to advocate for the preservation of indigenous weaving traditions and explore modern applications for ikat textiles.
Over 100 unique ikat pieces from more than 20 countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Mexico, Uzbekistan, Japan, and India, will be on display, reflecting the rich heritage of ikat worldwide.
Also present accompanying Abdul Karim were Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry Datu Sherrina Hussaini, Sarawak Craft Council manager Suriya Charles, and other senior officers of the ministry. — DayakDaily
