Tradition and Transformation: The Structure of Malay Woodcarving Motifs in Craft Education

Malay traditional woodcarving is one of the Malays’ most intricate and amazing heritages. It is also a symbol, representing our beloved Malay arts, and thus acts as an identifier to our country. The legacy of woodcarving inheritance is passed through many generations until today- therefore, it is only logic to preserve and uphold such traditions. An aim to study the structure of Terengganu Malay traditional woodcarving motif based on interpretations of Malay Aesthetic principles and elements is being applied to new motifs design to contemporary artwork, namely, painting and installation art. The artist's statement is related to a master carver to create the new motif design with interpreting Malay aesthetic principles and elements in their work. Based on collective information, it can be said that the structure of Terengganu Malay traditional woodcarving motif is determined by three steps of structural motif. The findings of these three steps to structure motif are vital in understanding the intricate artworks of woodcarving motifs. It should be used as guidelines by those who are related in the artwork field such as artists creating new designs, thus giving meaning and depth to overall work, without sacrificing the unique Malay aesthetics and identity. The topic of creating motifs and patterns according to culture, tradition and heritage should also be introduced in the syllabus of Visual Art Education (Craft Education Topic) in secondary schools and also in the Department of Art and Design Education, Faculty of Education, UiTM.