What did I do this Weekend?

I have spent two weekends at Balik Pulau where they had a programe called 'Busana Melayu', most of which is the cutktural heritage event in the effort to bring back to life the tradtional Malay Costumes  for men

especially those that were used for ceremonial purposes. The event was the effort dne by MGTF - USM in collaborations with various other groups from saveral different Staes in the country.

 The traditional Malay costume is mad up of primarily the 'Sampen' or the Malay 'Baju' and pants which usually goes together. This is wrapped around the waist by a 'Sarong' usually made from  woven silk called the 'Sampen'. Different states and regions in the malay Archipelago has different designs of these basic costume.

The Malay traditional wear is greatly influenced by the Indonesian and the other countries aurrounding the malay Archipelago called in Malay' The Nusantara, Countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philipines, Thailand, makes up the Nusantara group.

Traditional martial arts called 'Silat' or 'Gayong' is performed wearing these traditional wear to enhance the beauty and gracefulness of the art.

Most Malay men are proud to dorn the traditional wear but fewer and fewer are keen to take the trouble to do it as it involves allot of dos and donts, styles and etiquetes or costume wearing.

The 'Kris' is the weapon of Malay choice when wearing the traditional costume, it caps the whole wear.

I was asked to dorn this headgear or 'Tanjak' that was presented to my friend as a token of recognition by the Indonesian Sultanate. This 'Tanjak is usually worn by aggressive warriors well known for their martial arts exploits in serving their king and country, it came with the brooch that is hanging on the Major's (retired) chest.

 I am the  Art Warrior, Pandlima Seni in this event.

My close friend Izuan who made it all happen one weekend at Balik Pulau, Penang.