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Sarawak Carved Ceremonial Pole, "Kenyah craftsmen" , 1991 commission: presented by the State of Sarawak, Malaysia, to the People of Singapore location: Singapore History Musuem « go previous go to next » go back to list

This column, like the Chinese heros in the Marina South sculpture garden, is credited to unnamed ethnic craftspeople... A similar column has long been symbol of the Kuching Museum. From the SHM website: "Carved with circular, spiral and scroll motifs, this pole was carved by the Kajang Community. It symbolises their friendship with the people of Singapore and the growing links between the two nations."

text of the label affixed to the work:

Sarawak Carved Ceremonial Pole presented by the State Government and People of Sarawak to the Government and People of Singapore, April 12, 1991 This carved ceremonial pole is an example of the range of wood carvings produced by several ethnic communities in Sarawak. Woodcarvings are a common cultural expressions of Sarawak's indigenous people. As ... and decorative carvers, they produce a variety of crafts, randing from mass v... trunk carvings to anthropomorphic statues, ...., and small figurines. This particular pole, with traditional motifs in bold relief of spiral, scroll and circular disc was carved by members of the kajang community. Traditionally, such a ceremonial pole, if made with a hollowed chamber at the middle section, was used to inter remains of a distinguished leader and served both as a mausoleum and an identity for the whole community.

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