Full display of indigenous traditions at Matta Fair
Published on: Thursday, May 02, 2024
By: Sherell Jeffrey
Irene (seated, left pic) attracting the attention of Liew and the Matta Fair Sabah organisers with her skills
Kota Kinabalu: The rich traditions of Sabah’s indigenous communities were on full display at the recently concluded Matta Fair Sabah 2024, with one elderly artisan who stood out for her masterful needlework.
Irene Syam Nyuk Lan @ Noor Hayati, a 71-year-old Sino Kadazan from Kampung Sundozon in Kinarut, was invited by the Penampang Tourism Association to showcase her embroidery talents at the fair at the Sabah International Convention Centre.
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Traditional designs woven with colourful threads in shades of red, yellow and gold were on display in Irene’s elaborate work, which attracted curious onlookers and brought attention to the skill of the indigenous people of Sabah.
“Having a genuine passion for needlework is essential for embroidery. I enrolled in a course to get a handle on the fundamentals and although the tiniest things were challenging at first, my enthusiasm kept me going until I figured it out,” she said.
Irene started experimenting from there by changing designs according to client requirements, playing around with weaving patterns and honing themes until she could make intricate and beautiful pieces.
The materials she uses, including the lustrous gold thread that has become a signature element, are readily available at local sewing supply shops, though the gold thread often sells out due to high demand.
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“The thread wrapping is done by hand, using simple tools like clothes pins or improvised holders made from bamboo stalks and branches,” she said.
While a skilled artisan can complete a meter of weaving in just three or four days, Irene’s works are true labours of love, with each piece embodying the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous community.
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“The motifs introduce the traditional skills of the Kadazan and Bruneian people who are renowned for their expertise in this craft,” she said.
She is determined to ensure these age-old traditions are passed down to future generations, encouraging young people to take courses and learn the ancestral techniques.
“I want interested youths to take the courses we offer. If there is demand, hopefully they can continue this traditional handicraft and keep our ancestors’ legacy alive,” she said.
The Matta Fair Sabah 2024 was an ideal venue for honouring the rich cultural diversity of Sabah. One of the main attractions, community-based tourism, highlighted local experiences in rural areas such as Tambunan and others.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew, who officiated the event, spoke on the importance of community-based tourism, emphasising its role in preserving and promoting Sabah’s unique heritage.
Among the other groups featured was SV Sompotonists, an ensemble dedicated to keeping alive Sabah’s rich musical heritage, particularly the unique bamboo-based instrument called the Sompoton and Sompuru.
Gerald John Galaku of SV Sompotonists expressed gratitude to the Tambunan Tourism Association for the opportunity to participate in the fair, allowing them to share their passion for the musical traditions of their ancestors with a wider audience.
As the curtain fell on Matta Fair Sabah 2024, the event served as a vibrant celebration of Sabah’s cultural diversity and a testament to the enduring spirit of its indigenous communities, whose crafts and traditions continue to captivate and inspire.
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