Traditional Melanau woodcarving (Bilum) in Dalat, Sarawak
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Date
1982-01
Authors
Chong, Chin Seng
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to analyse, classify
and interpret the traditional woodcarving (bilum) of
the Melanau in Dalat in its cultural context by using
morphological, stylistic and analytical techniques
and, when possible, iconographic interpretation. In
doing so, I have included anthropological and historical
datao Although the tradition of bilum-making has been
known to researchers since the late nineteenth century,
there has never been a systematic attempt to combine
historical sources, museum specimens, existing documentation
and field-work, to constitute a single and
comprehensive study. In this thesis, I have been
guided by this view.
This thesis consists of 7 chapters, including
52 plates, 3 tables and 3 maps. The first chapter is
devoted to the study of the cultural background of the
different ethnic groups in Sarawak to gain an insight
into the possibility of cultural diffusion among the
indigenous people and their origins, with emphasis on
the Melanau society in Dalat in relation to its own context on the economic, political and social organisation.
The second chapter explains why Dalat was
chosen as a resource centre for studying the traditional
Melanau 'bilum with special reference to five villages,
namely: Kampong Sungai Ud, Kampong Medong, Kampong
Tanam, Kampong Kakan and Kampong Baru Dalat. It also
clarifies the definition of the 'bilum' which has a
double meaning: (i) .it refers to the carvings of
sickness images which are commonly known as bilum in
Dalat: (ii) .according to Melanau mythology, the term
'bilum' is sometimes used to describe the evil spirits
which dwell in trees, rivers, forests, hills, graveyards
and the sky. The third chapter touches on the
various procedures and methods of sickness healing in
the Melanau community. The fourth chapter describes
the method of carving of the traditional Melanau bilum.
The fifth chapter deals with the role of the woodcarvers
in Dalat. The sixth chapter deals with the method of
identification and classification of the various
bilum according to its place of dwelling or generic
origins. For each a brief description of the form is
given. The concluding chapter enters into an analytical discussion on matters such as whether the bilum
can be considered as an art object; the possible origin
of the bilum and the appraisal of the tradition Melanau
art from - bilum. In addition, an explanation of
the changing value system in the Melanau society
resulting in the diminishing use of the bilum in
sickness healing, owing to the impact of rapid economic
and social change in the Melanau community, is also
given.
Description
Keywords
Traditional woodcarving