Page 898 - Proceedings Collega2023

Introduction

Traditional Malay wood carving is a highly esteemed handicraft (Tohid et al., 2015) that has been
passed down through generations in Malay society (Ahmad et al., 2022; Rashidi et al., 2021). It is a manual
technique that showcases the skill and experience of the craftsmen (Tohid et al., 2015). This art form is an
integral part of the rich heritage of Malay traditional arts, which also includes calligraphy, textiles, weaving,
plaiting, pottery, metalsmithing and more (Mohd Din et al., 2022). The craftsmanship of traditional Malay
wood carvings is exceptional and multifaceted, reflecting the adaptation of local cultural essence by Malay
craftsmen. In the pre-Islamic era, Malay society practiced Hinduism and Animism, which greatly influenced
their wood carving techniques. According to Hari's (2005) approach, the wood carvings served as a means
for the Malay society to express their beliefs (Ullah, 2018).
During the Islamic era, the introduction of Islam had diverse impacts on Malay society, particularly
in the realm of wood carving. Wood carving served specific functions in Malay society while offering
practicality and aesthetics. It is important to note that traditional Malay wood carvings have a profound
influence on the interpretation of Islam within Malay society. These carvings also hold great importance
in terms of the knowledge derived from Islamic teachings. Therefore, engaging in the creation of
traditional Malay wood carvings requires a close adherence to Islamic teachings, particularly Islamic
values. Qamihah (1996) has emphasised the significance of Islamic values as the basis of morality, fostering
honourable individuals among Muslims, and contributing to society by striving for personal growth and
strengthening their beliefs. As a result, Islamic values have played a crucial role in enriching the underlying
content, which is then reflected in the outward appearance of wood carvings. These traditional carvings
seamlessly blend with Malay society due to their interconnectedness with the cultural needs of the Malay
people.

Current situation of Islamic values in traditional Malay wood carving

Even though traditional carvings in the past were enriched with Islamic values, Isahak et al. (2022)
have highlighted that present-day Malay wood carvings have been made with a lack of knowledge and
care, resulting in a decline in quality. This is because modern carvers prioritise the client's superficial needs
for the outer appearance and aesthetics of the carvings over preserving Islamic values (Abdul Halim et al.,
2011), creating a disconnect between Islamic values and Malay wood carving. Additionally, Lim (1987), as
quoted by Che Mood and Ramli (2022), asserts that traditional Malay wood carvings have lost their
significance and functionality, reduced to simplistic designs, and taken out of context. Furthermore, Haji
Jumaat Dato' Haji Mohd. Nor (1989), as exemplified by Mohd Sojak and Utaberta (2013), has noted that
the knowledge of Islamic values as the foundation of traditional Malay wood carvings has been neglected.
As a result, the relationship between Islamic values and Malay wood carving has deteriorated.
Consequently, the portrayal of current Malay wood carving no longer serves to educate Malay society and
is therefore lacking attention to detail (Ullah, 2018).
Until now, numerous previous studies have gradually focused on the influences from an Islamic
perspective, specifically through motifs, rather than exploring the interrelation between traditional Malay
wood carving and Islamic values. Hence, this paper aims to discover the relationship that exists in the
context of Islamic values and traditional Malay wood carving. Therefore, what are the correlation

International Conference on Local Wisdom of the Malay Archipelago (COLLEGA 2023) Page - 885 -