Traditional Malay Handicraft Design

A word of appreciation is appropriately in order for Siti Zainon Ismail for her indepth study on the creation, design and development of the tradit Contents vional Malay handicraft, an art relatively unknown until recent times. The TraditionalMalay Handicraft Design brings to light the various types of handicraft designs such as pottery, fabric weaving, wickerwork, embroidery, batik, and songket. A study on traditional heritage such as this demands a high degree of sensitivity on the part of the researcher as well as cooperation from craftsmen themselves. In addition to being meticulous and diligent, the researcher is also expected to understand the historical development of each handicraft form from its artistic, cultural and functional aspects. Her background as a writer-poet-painter has largely encouraged Sid Zainon to dwell in studies on the Malay arts and culture. The publication of The Traditional Malay Handicraft Design is a commendable effort and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka fervently hopes that more of such academic studies will be undertaken. Other than being a new addition to the library materials on our art and culture, the book will also introduce readers, within and outside the country, to the rich and exuberant handicrafts of the Malays.