Compiled by CHARLES RAMENDRAN and C. ARUNO
THE intricate art of making the “wau sobek”, a traditional Malaysian kite, is not a skill every kite maker has. It requires a blend of craftsmanship and patience to carve out the fine designs, which are often of creeper plants.
Tumpat-based wau maker Megat Mayusif Mat Yusoff, 43, who has been keeping the craft alive for the past two decades, said there appears to be no takers for the apprenticeship of making wau sobek due to the arduous process of producing the kites, Sinar Harian reported.
“Sobek in Kelantanese means decoration or cosmetics. Among the common designs that embellish the wau sobek are the pumpkin, watermelon and bitter gourd creeper plants.
“It is usually sought by kite collectors and tourists from Australia, Cuba, Singapore and Indonesia. It is also displayed as decoration,” said the father of two.Megat Mayusif said to build a durable kite frame, he sources wood from a jungle near his village twice a year.
A dying craft: Wau sobek is named after the Kelantanese word for decoration or cosmetics. — Bernama
He said he chooses only the thorny bamboo plant variety, which has good durability and lasts for more than 10 years.
He said several years ago, he decided to make a wau sobek of a different design after taking up a challenge thrown by a friend.
“The special kites were well received and I sold one of them for RM3,500.
“I hope the younger generation takes up this art to keep this part of Kelantanese culture alive.
“Many of them show up to learn but give up halfway as it requires skill and patience.”
> Film producers are no longer apprehensive of including current political landscape issues in their productions, says veteran actress Sofia Jane.
Commenting on her role as Ibu Zara in the award-winning drama series One-Cent Thief, she admitted that the characters of politicians and infamous criminals portrayed in the series are inspired by incidents that have occurred locally and overseas.
“We are at a phase where local films are daring enough to discuss the current political landscape. The storytellers face no obstacles when producing their work within existing boundaries,” she told Utusan Malaysia.
“This is a positive change that indicates freedom in discussing important issues in their work.
“As the public, we surely have many questions to ask of an issue. I believe we have the opportunity to use art to deliver hope,” said Sofia, who was awarded best female actress at the 21st Asian Film Festival.
She said although Ibu Zara is an antagonist, her character as a woman is portrayed respectfully.
“We live in a ‘netizen’s world’ where everything gets easily circulated or viralled. We are often judged, especially women,” she added.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a, it denotes a separate news item.
