Authors : Nurdiyana Zainal Abidin, Raja Nafida Raja Shahminan and Fawazul Khair Ibrahim
Abstract: Traditional Malay houses varies architecturally from one state to another with specific elements that are identifiable to each different state in Malaysia. Many similarities and differences can be found in the architecture and ornamentations of traditional malay houses. Woodcarvings are unique form of ornamentation and elaborate decorative components of traditional architecture of the Malays and they can be found throughout Malaysia including in Negeri Sembilan. Negeri Sembilan is a democratic, multi-cultural, multi-racial and multi-religion state which uniquely practices the matrilineal social system of Adat Perpatih and has a strong connection to it’s history and heritage particularly its distinctive vernacular architecture. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors impacting woodcarvings influence in traditional malay houses in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The research methodologies undertaken were case studies of fifteen Negeri Sembilan traditional houses from the archives of measured drawings in Center of Built Environment in the Malay World (KALAM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and through precedent studies of selected buildings in Negeri Sembilan. Based on the analysis and synthesis of woodcarvings in selected buildings, many issues were identified in relation to the identification of influences on the woodcarvings. The outcome of this research indicated several factors influencing the woodcarvings of Traditional malay houses in Negeri Sembilan which included influences of woodcarver’s works and also the applications of the woodcarvings such as religious factors, cultural factors and political factors.
Nurdiyana Zainal Abidin, Raja Nafida Raja Shahminan and Fawazul Khair Ibrahim, 2017. Factors Impacting Woodcarving Influences in Traditional Malay Houses of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia: Understanding the Technology of Architectural Heritage. The Social Sciences, 12: 383-392.