Avoiding extinction, safeguarding culture: the role of Sarawak cultural village in preserving Melanau music-culture. In: Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Interdisciplinary Arts and Humanities (ICONARTIES 2019). SCITEPRESS – Science and Technology Publications, Lda, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, pp. 363-369. ISBN 978-989-758-450-3 (2019)
Abstract
Sarawak, located on the island of Borneo, is Malaysia’s biggest state and home to more than 20 ethnic groups who practice an array of diverse cultures, which includes the Melanau people. A minority group which represents about six percent of Sarawak’s total population, the Melanau people are originally Animists who venerated the spirits of nature, which for a long time has influenced their way of life, including its music- culture. However, presently they are mostly Muslims and due to religious factors many of its culture are no longer being practiced. To prevent the Melanau music-culture from becoming extinct, the Sarawak Cultural Village (or famously known as the SCV) was then set up by the Sarawak government of which among its main objective is to expose the heritage of the various ethnic groups in Sarawak - including the Melanau - to both local and international tourists. The SCV is a living museum that not only showcases the traditional music and dance of the Melanau but also home to the only Melanau tall house that still exist today. Using ethnomusicological approach, this paper discusses how the SCV has contributed to the preservation of Melanau music-culture. In collecting the data participant observations were conducted and interviews were held with Melanau culture bearers who up to this day maintains close relationship with the SCV. The findings reveal that the SCV is a leading revival agent particularly in promoting Melanau tradition and heritage at both local and international levels.
| Item Type: | Book Section |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Melanau, Music-culture, Sarawak cultural village, Preservation, Revival |
| Taxonomy: | By Niche > Ethnology > Melanau (Malaysian People) > Social Life and Customs |
| Local Content Hub: | Niche > Melanau |
| Depositing User: | Jamil Jawi |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Jul 2023 08:57 |
| Last Modified: | 06 Jul 2023 08:57 |
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