Exotic Treasures From Kelantan

Kelantan has always been renowned for its cottage industries which have become an important part of the state’s economic activity. This thriving industry has produced some of the country’s’ finest and highest quality of intricate silverware, exquisite batik and songket designs, magnificent kites and wonderfully crafted wooden carvings. These exotic treasures are most famous for its superb workmanship, intricacy and details in its design elements as well as its superior craftsmanship.

Silverware

Kelantan’s cottage industries are mostly found in the outskirts of the city. The most famous silvercraft factories in the state are located at Kampung Sireh along Jalan Sultanah Zainab, Kampung Badang and Kampung Marak on the road towards Pantai Cahaya Bulan. A visit to the silvercraft factory gives visitors a closer look at how these beautiful silver masterpieces are designed and made for sale. The factories are normally open to visitors from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm daily except on Fridays.

Songket Weaving

Just four kilometres away from the city is the famous songket weaving factory in Kampung Penambang. Back in the days, this fine material was only reserved for royalty and is considered a legacy for the proud people of Kelantan. Today, the songket is widely used for weddings, ceremonial occasions and other traditional functions. The silk material woven with beautiful patterns using gold and silver threads originated from Thailand while the gold and silver threads are imported from India.

Batik

Kelantan produces some of the most loveliest and colourful batik materials in the country. Kampung Putih, Kampung Badan and Kubor Kuda are some of the larger batik factories where visitors can get an insight into the whole batik printing process. Batik was once printed on cotton sarongs using stamp blocks. However, batik printings have since evolved and now incorporate a much easier and sophisticated method of printing the bright and colourful textile. To get a clearer picture of how these silky, soft materials are produced, the factories are open for visitors daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm except on Fridays.

Handicraft Village & Craft Museum

The Handicraft Village and Craft Museum also know as ‘Balai Getam Guri’ is located in the state’s capital, showcases the various display of Kelantan’s finest arts and crafts produced by its cottage industries. Wide selections of handicrafts are exhibited here such as batik, songket, silverware, wooden handicrafts and wau. These items are also available for sale at the museum. Visitors get to learn more about these beautiful treasures produced by Kelantan’s finest craftsman while delving into the history, origins and process of making each of the items. Demonstrations on the traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, silverware carving and wood carving are also being carried out by the skilled craftsman for the public’s viewing. The museum is open daily to visitors except on Fridays from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

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Article Information
This article was written by Pollyanna G. Joseph and was first published on 31 January 2007. This article is free for personal and commercial reproduction, with the following terms and conditions.

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