Melanau bead culture: a vanishing world? BEADS: Journal of the Society of Bead Researchers, 10 (1): 6. pp. 19-33. ISSN 0843-5499 (1998)
Abstract
Settled on the South China Sea coast of Sarawak, the Melanau comprise an aristocratic society which used to have a strong bead culture, tied to animist religion. Develop ments in the 19th and 20th centuries have influenced the tra ditional way of life so that today, only a few Melanau still keep a significant n·umber of beads. Nevertheless, shamen and healers, adherents to the old religion, continue to use beads in healing and purification ceremonies. Bereaved families protect themselves by wearing special beads and by providing the deceased with beads according to his or her status in the traditional hierarchy. Specific kinds of beads are also prominent in traditional marriage ceremonies . Beads continue to adorn blouses and to serve as personal or naments. Handicrafts embellished with glass seed beads are also produced, but mostly for the souvenir market.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Melanau, Bead culture, Handicrafts |
| Taxonomy: | By Niche > Ethnology > Melanau (Malaysian People) > Rites and Ceremonies By Niche > Ethnology > Melanau (Malaysian People) > Social Life and Customs |
| Local Content Hub: | Niche > Melanau |
| Depositing User: | Jamil Jawi |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Jul 2023 09:41 |
| Last Modified: | 06 Jul 2023 09:41 |
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