Ingenuity Incision in Traditional Malay Wood Carving Calligraphy Motif

Abstract

Malay woodcarvings are an ornament that symbolizes the identity and creativity of the Malay community at the house or palace. The difference will be in the design complexity and the number of ornaments used to decorate the palaces. Motif is considered one of the primary elements behind the creation of woodcarving and is included visually in various arts and crafts categories. Thus, the purpose of this study was to present an analytical study to investigate the visual forms of calligraphy motifs on the ornamentation wood carving at Istana Tengku Long, Terengganu. The study utilized the qualitative methodology in collecting data besides the field study at the selected palace and in-depth interviews with related persons. The Fractal Dimension Analysis (FDA) was applied to measure the complexity of the intricacy of the calligraphy panel. The finding indicated that the Islamic belief in the daily activities and local culture has assimilated to produce such intricate calligraphy motifs in Istana Tengku Long. The combination was carved in two compositions together with relief which, non-relief forms and floral motifs were the types of motifs that dominated the woodcarving at Istana Tengku Long. The Quranic verse of the calligraphy motifs gives the implied meaning to the royalty status and socio-culture of the Malay during that period. The knowledge gained from the study presents the Malay royalty's belief that the verses would influence their daily life and the palace as a place of residence. This study will contribute to the understanding of cultural assimilation and its impact on the architectural component revolution, specifically the ornamentation of the building. Preserving the calligraphy motif with indigenous incision shows the sustainability of Malay craftsmanship in wood carving. It emphasizes the inheritance of the aesthetic ornamentation in the traditional timber palaces in Malaysia that potentially involved heritage tourism and education prospects.