Carving motifs in timber houses of Kelantan and Terengganu: sustaining Malay architecture identity
This paper presents an analytical study on the visual forms of motifs of carved components in the houses of Kelantan and Terengganu. Thirteen sets of measured drawings of the components from nine houses in Kelantan and four houses in Terengganu were analyzed. The drawings were obtained from Centr...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Conference or Workshop Item |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2010
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/3797/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/3797/1/Carving_motif_in_timber_houses_of_Kelantan_and_Terengganu_Sustaining_Malay_architecture_identity.pdf |
| Summary: | This paper presents an analytical study on the visual forms of motifs of carved
components in the houses of Kelantan and Terengganu. Thirteen sets of measured
drawings of the components from nine houses in Kelantan and four houses in
Terengganu were analyzed. The drawings were obtained from Centre for the Study
of Built Environment in the Malay World at the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Data
from the drawings and feedbacks from two woodcarvers revealed that there were four
types of carved components: ventilation panels of wall, door and window, railings,
gate panel and stringers. The motifs were flora, geometry, Arabic calligraphy and
cosmic features depicted in two and three dimensional compositions either in relief
or non-relief forms. Consistency in patterns of motif, particularly flora motifs, results
to an establishment of identity to the vernacular architecture of north-eastern region
of Peninsular Malaysia. The components were crafted in relation to the house form
and architectural elements such as wall, door, window, stair and gate. The significant
aspect of the placement of the carvings in the houses is that it enhances the aesthetic of
the houses and signifies the architectural identity of the north-eastern states. To sustain
the woodcarving as Malay architecture heritage, this paper presents a framework
for the existing craftsmen to continue making carved components for urban housing
markets. The suggested components are ventilation panels of door, window and wall,
door leaves and window railings |
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