KUCHING: Efforts are underway to ensure the legacy of Baju Kuas craftsmanship is preserved and displayed at the iconic Borneo Cultures Museum.
The initiative marks an important milestone in safeguarding the traditional Iban Balau costume heritage for future generations when the display materialises later.
“Displaying Baju Kuas at the museum reflects our commitment to protect ancestral artistry and cultural identity,” said Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
He said this when officiating the closing ceremony of the KUAS by Julia James workshop at Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEX), Rampangi, Santubong recently.
“Baju Kuas is a unique traditional costume worn by the Iban Balau community mainly residing in Simanggang, Banting, Undop, Lingga and Pantu areas.
“It is a meticulously crafted woven women’s garment worn across shoulders as decorative adornment during festivals, marriages and significant traditional community events.”
He added that today, many longhouses still keep Baju Kuas as treasured family heirlooms symbolising heritage continuity, craftsmanship pride and ancestral identity passed down generations.
“Traditionally, Baju Kuas is made using black cloth, intricately woven and knitted with colourful threads, beads and complementary decorative accessories.
Snowdan, whose grandparents originated from Banting, said witnessing the crafting process deepened his interest and inspired initiating workshops to engage younger generations.
He stressed such initiatives are vital to prevent the Baju Kuas legacy from extinction through knowledge transfer, skills development and sustained community participation.
The workshop saw Julia James and her entire family take the challenge, supported financially by the ministry while CENTEX provided facilities and an enabling platform.
Snowdan commended the collaboration and urged artisans to add value creatively so Baju Kuas products gain commercial appeal and become sustainable business ventures.
Depending on design and materials, a Baju Kuas piece may fetch between RM1,500 and RM3,000, which he described as commercially lucrative.
During the event, Snowdan also presented certificates to 24 women participants from Iban, Malay, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu communities who completed the programme.
