KOTA BELUD: Local master artisan Pandian Sulaiman, a respected figure in Iranun weaving, passed away here on Monday at the age of 75.
Her passing was confirmed through several
Facebook posts shared by family members and loved ones, who remembered her as a devoted custodian of cultural heritage.
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In a tribute posted on Monday by Sri Pelancongan Sabah’s (SPS) Kadaiku, Pandian was described as having dedicated her life to preserving and elevating the art of Iranun weaving from a young age.
Born into a traditional Iranun family, she began weaving at the age of 10 and later became widely recognised for her mastery of Kain Mugah, Kain Ampik, Kain Pajuntai, Kain Dastar and Sambitan.
Despite having no formal education in textile arts, she actively pursued skills training through courses and workshops organised by the Sabah State Ministry, with her work exhibited across Sabah and in Kuala Lumpur.
Her craftsmanship also gained international exposure when she represented Malaysia in London through an invitation by Kraftangan Malaysia, marking her first overseas showcase.
In 2006, Pandian was conferred the title Adiguru Kraf Tenunan Sambitan (Master Artisan of Sambitan Weaving Craft) by Kraftangan Malaysia, and she spent her later years mentoring younger weavers to ensure the Iranun weaving tradition endured.
