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International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences
Vol. 8 , No. 14, Special Issue: Transforming Community Towards a Sustainable and Globalized Society, 2018, E-ISSN: 2222 -6990 © 2018 HRMARS
24
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Tikar Bergerang: The Reflection of Culture and Heritage of
the Saribas Malay, Sarawak
Faridah Sahari, Rahah Hasan, Shahren Ahmad Zaidi Adruce,
Shahri Abdul Rahman, Anna Durin
To Link this Article: http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v8-i14/5024 DOI: 10.6007/IJARBSS/v8-i14/5024
Received: 04 Oct 2018, Revised: 10 Nov 2018, Accepted: 29 Nov 2018
Published Online: 21 Dec 2018
In-Text Citation: (Sahari, Hasan, Adruce, Rahman, & Durin, 2018)
To Cite this Article: Sahari, F., Hasan, R., Adruce, S. A. Z., Rahman, S. A., & Durin, A. (2018). Tikar Bergerang: The
Reflection of Culture and Heritage of the Saribas Malay, Sarawak. International Journal of Academic
Research in Business and Social Sciences, 8(14), 24–33.
Copyright: © 2018 The Author(s)
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Special Issue: Transforming Community Towards a Sustainable and Globalized Society, 2018, Pg. 24 - 33
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International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences
Vol. 8 , No. 14, Special Issue: Transforming Community Towards a Sustainable and Globalized Society, 2018, E-ISSN: 2222 -6990 © 2018 HRMARS
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Tikar Bergerang: The Reflection of Culture and
Heritage of the Saribas Malay, Sarawak
Faridah Sahari
Faculty of Applied and Creative Art, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia
Rahah Hasan
Faculty of Applied and Creative Art, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia
Shahren Ahmad Zaidi Adruce
Faculty of Cognitive Sciences & Human Development, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia
Shahri Abdul Rahman
Faculty of Cognitive Sciences & Human Development, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia
Anna Durin
Faculty of Applied and Creative Art, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia
Abstract
This paper investigates the indigenous knowledge of mat making and its social context in Malay
community of Saribas. It focuses on tikar bergerang in particular. The mat which incorporates open
weave, creates a lace impression pattern around the body weave frame. As stated by Awang Azman
(2010), material culture’s scholar, there is an urgency to study Sarawak Malay due to a significant
dissimilarity between them with the Malay of Peninsular Malaysia in many aspects of local knowledge
and heritage. Thus, the aim of this research is to discover the production technology, role and values
of tikar bergerang in the Saribas Malay community in Sarawak. Through in-depth interviews with
tikar bergerang weavers and observation, the cultural object is analysed using material culture study
developed by Fleming (1974). The result indicated that the mat is only intended for important
function and perceived as a sacred material object. The mat complex patterns and complicated
weaving techniques reflect the idiosyncrasy of Saribas region compared to other parts of Sarawak,
the intellectual, indigenous technology and common values shared among its community.
Keywords: Saribas Malay, material culture, tikar bergerang, value, craft, indigenous technology
International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences
Vol. 8 , No. 14, Special Issue: Transforming Community Towards a Sustainable and Globalized Society, 2018, E-ISSN: 2222 -6990 © 2018 HRMARS
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Introduction
This study is an early attempt to introduce one of the many traditional material culture of the Saribas
Malay, tikar bergerang. The main purpose is to uncover this cultural object and its representational
element and value to the makers’ community. The finding will provide an important knowledge base
in the form of a documented reference.
Origin of the Saribas Malay
The scholarly studies of Benedict Sandin (1969) and Sanib Said (2012, 2013) suggested that the
Malays of Saribas was originated from two roots; Abang Gudam from Pagaruyung, Minangkabau
Sumatra and Temenggong Kadir from Brunei.
According to Sanib in his article Early History of the Malay Archipelago (2012), Saribas was long
existed among other kingdoms such as Sarawak, Samarahan, Saribas, Kalaka and Malanau (The Lost
of Five Kingdoms of Sarawak). These toponyms were revealed in the two indigenous primary sources;
i) the royal genealogy of the Sultanate of Brunei in various manuscripts and ii) the 1365 Javanese
chronicle, Nagarakertagama. Sanib’s extended work on the Malay-Jawi manuscript, Syair Tarsilah
Cetera Abang Gudam Dangan Temenggong Kadir Negeri Saribas, which was first discovered by
Anthony Richards in 1961 narrates about the Lost Kingdom of Saribas that founded by Temenggong
Kadir who ran from the sultanate of Brunei and Abang Gudam, who also ran away from the kingdom
of Pagaruyung in Sumatra.
In present days, five districts of Saribas – Betong, Spaoh, Debak, Puas and Meludam are under the
administration of Betong Division.
Material Culture Study of Saribas Malay
According to Prown (1982), the importance of cultural studies is based on four elements: 1) cognitive
level - expertise / wisdom, 2) activity activity, 3) accessibility of material and manufacturing
technology and 4) value, In cultural object research, objects are used as primary data, linking human
relationships with material in understanding various aspects of culture and society, beliefs, values
and environment.
Cultural studies of Sarawak Malay society are still new. Although Sarawak is part of Malaysia, there
are significant differences in local knowledge and heritage between Sarawak Malay and Malay in
Peninsular Malaysia (Awang Azman, 2010). The study of Sarawak Malay culture is mostly focused on
Malay in Kuching, for instance, in a book by Hajjah Maimunah (1999) 'Glimpses of Malay Life in
Sarawak' and Siti Zaharah Abang Husaini (1991 cited in Awang Azman, 2010). The two books show
the lives of Sarawak Malays in the villages around Kuching generally cover culture, language, legacy
and tradition activities. Whereas, cultural studies of the Malay community in other parts of Sarawak
are very few. Hence the need for this study is seemed to be critical.
International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences
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Something to Ponder
Whether tikar bergerang is part of a cultural influence from Sumatera or somewhere else through
the diaspora of Islam is not certainly known as no study has ever associated those similar looking
mats found in Sumatera, made by Malay of the Minangkabau and the Romblon mats in the
Philippines with the one found in Saribas.
Figure 1
a) Sumatera mat (Source: Nieuwenhuis, 1913) and b) Romblon mat (Source: Bureau of Education,
1913)
Figure 1 shows mats from Sumatera and Romblon Island of Philippine adapted from two different
written sources.
Methods and Analysis
This qualitative research approach applies interview, observation and artefact study to gain insight
of object’s relationships with humans, cultures, values and technologies
The fieldwork was done in two locations; Kampung Hulu Pusa and Kampung Semera in Sadongjaya
where the weavers of tikar bergerang were identified. Although Sadong Jaya is not part of Saribas,
but since there are weavers who still actively weave tikar bergerang, skill they have learned from a
lady from Saribas, thus they are selected as the respondents of the study. Several sessions of
interviews were done with the weavers as well as observation to gather data about tikar bergerang.
A visit to Sarawak Museum Archives to get access to the tikar bergerang collection.
The data gathered is analysed using analytical methods study developed by Fleming (1974) which
include observations on physical evidence (design, form, shape, motif), methods and materials of
International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences
Vol. 8 , No. 14, Special Issue: Transforming Community Towards a Sustainable and Globalized Society, 2018, E-ISSN: 2222 -6990 © 2018 HRMARS
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manufacture; and function of tikar bergerang. The result is important and help to support narration
and description from the interviews.
Result and Discussion
The discussion begins with the interpretation of design, the role and function; material and
production and then extended to the challenge and future of tikar bergerang.
Design
Tikar bergerang is divided into two main parts; body weave and frame; the bergerang motif can be
either incorporate with body weave or along the frame.
Figure 2 Tikar
bergerang of
Saribas (Source:
Sarawak
Museum
Archive, 2011)
Figure 2 shows tikar
bergerang from
the Sarawak
Museum archive,
recorded as a
prayer mat. The mat
was decorated with
gold thread
embroidered
fabric. In another
variation, tikar
bergerang used
for prayer mat found
with an additional feature, a pouch at a top of the mat to keep telekung.
Weaving Technique and Pattern
The weaving technique uses for the body of the mat is the most simple and basic diagonal closed
weave. For the bergerang pattern, the open work weave is applied. The patterns are inspired by the
natural surroundings with geometrical and symmetrical shapes. For example empelam and bunut are
local fruits that weavers imitate to create patterns of bergerang. Figure 4 shows some common
patterns used in tikar bergerang such as katak, empelam and empelam bertiang.
a
b
c
d
International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences
Vol. 8 , No. 14, Special Issue: Transforming Community Towards a Sustainable and Globalized Society, 2018, E-ISSN: 2222 -6990 © 2018 HRMARS
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Figure 3 Tikar bergerang Patterns: a-b) katak and c-d) empelam
Role and Function
Tikar bergerang or berkerang (Saribas local term) is a pandan mat with open weave pattern. This mat
is believed to be originated from Saribas. This is because, this mat is rarely made and found in other
regions in Sarawak. Pusa, Tuie’, Spaoh and Semarang are some Malay villages in Saribas where the
mat is still made and used. The uniqueness of the mat lies in the intricate open weave pattern, so fine
it can create the impression of lace pattern framing the body weave of the mat.
For the Saribas Malay, tikar bergerang is a non-utilitarian mat. It reflects their social values and
indigenous technology in mat weaving and can be easily distinguished from other mat from the other
parts of Sarawak for its distinct characteristics. In the past, the mat had been used as a prayer mat
and serves as ceremonial purposes in the wedding and newborn celebration.
The Production
The production of tikar bergerang is extremely time consuming since the pattern is intricate and
complicated to create. The fundamental material of tikar bergerang is pandan or srewpine, the most
common mat-making material among the Malays in Sarawak. The choice and deployment of the
constructive material are dictated by abundant sources of pandan within the Saribas locality, easily
work on and can be cultivated.
Tools Use in the Production
The tools used in tikar bergerang weaving are similar to the ordinary pandan weaving. All tools are
made by the weavers themselves. Among them are jangat, kikis, kayu perapi and pisok (cutter).
International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences
Vol. 8 , No. 14, Special Issue: Transforming Community Towards a Sustainable and Globalized Society, 2018, E-ISSN: 2222 -6990 © 2018 HRMARS
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Figure 4 Weaving tools
Table 1 Weaving Tools and Functions
No.
Tool
Function
1.
Jangat
The blades to cut pandan leave in longitudinal direction. The
interval gap is determined by the size of the bilak (pandan leave
size strand). The most common bilak size used are 3mm and
5mm.
2.
Kikis
Metal piece to flatten and straightening the bilak.
3.
Kayu sulat
A piece of wood (kayu belian) that can have variations in the
shapes of the tip, pointed and flattening used for lifting the
weave when another strip is required to pass through and when
an edge is being finished.
4.
Pisok
Cutter to cut the required length of the bilak and for finishing.
The Weavers’ Profile
Figure 5 Tikar bergerang Weavers: Hajijah and Ngot
Hajijah binti Abg Gom and Ngot binti Bi, are both pandan mat weavers. They were introduced to tikar
pandan bergerang and learned the bergerang weaving technique by a lady from Tuie, Spaoh through
a workshop organized by Kraftangan Sarawak in the late 90’s.
Hajijah, aged 70 years old is from Kampung Hulu Pusa where as Ngot is in her eighties from Kampung
Semera, Sadong Jaya Samarahan who can master the bergerang technique. They are among a small
group of individual weavers that have benefited from the workshop by Sawarak Kraftangan.
International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences
Vol. 8 , No. 14, Special Issue: Transforming Community Towards a Sustainable and Globalized Society, 2018, E-ISSN: 2222 -6990 © 2018 HRMARS
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According to Ngot, although her parents and herself born and stay In Sadongjaya, her grandfather
was married to a Beladin’s lady, which actually makes her half-Saribas.
Figure 6 Some Bergerang Products by Hajijah and Ngot
The Future of Tikar bergerang
The challenge of tikar bergerang or bergerang pattern sustainability is twofold – the scarcity source
of pandan and a number of people who have bergerang weaving techniques and able to teach.
Hajijah will only weave when there is pandan and demand for tikar bergerang. According to her, in
Pusa, pandan is not easily found now as land is developed for infrastructure road and housing
construction. For Ngot, she receives a high demand from craft traders from Kuching. In order to
ensure continuous supply of raw material, she cultivates pandan in the farm.
The bergerang weaving technique is complicated, even though going through the lessons, some just
could not grasp the skill. In addition, the young generation is not interested to learn making this
tradition and heritage in jeopardy.
International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences
Vol. 8 , No. 14, Special Issue: Transforming Community Towards a Sustainable and Globalized Society, 2018, E-ISSN: 2222 -6990 © 2018 HRMARS
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Bergerang pattern should not only focus to mat only, but can be diversified into other potential
product such as furniture, bags and interior furnishing products. Figure 7 shows bergerang pattern
that has been integrated with furniture table, chair and panel room divider.
Figure 7
Innovative Products of Tikar Bergerang (Photo: Author’s Collection, 2012)
Conclusion
Tikar bergerang is a reflection of culture and heritage of the Saribas Malay in Sarawak. It was used as
a prayer mat and in wedding and newborn celebration imply how it was valued in the community.
This indigenous material culture and technology must be sustained as part of the Saribas Malay
identity.
Acknowledgement
The authors wish to acknowledge the following entity and individuals that had been providing
support for this study in various capacities.
1. UNIMAS Special Grant SSTG, Reference No. - F03/SpSTG/1571/2017– for providing financial
and equipment support during the period of research.
2. Nek Hajijah Binti Abg Gom and Nek Ngot Binti Bi for their assistance in the field.
International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences
Vol. 8 , No. 14, Special Issue: Transforming Community Towards a Sustainable and Globalized Society, 2018, E-ISSN: 2222 -6990 © 2018 HRMARS
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Corresponding Author
Faridah Sahari, Faculty of Applied and Creative Art, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia. Email:
sfaridah@unimas.my.
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