KUALA LUMPUR: Bangie Embol, a master weaver, has been named the National Craft Icon 2024 for her significant contributions in preserving the traditional craft of Pua Kumbu, a handwoven Ibanese textile.
The 78-year-old artisan expressed her gratitude for being bestowed with the prestigious award.
She mentioned, “It inspires me to continue promoting and safeguarding the craft for future generations.
“I am thrilled and determined to continue weaving and sharing the stories of the Iban through the intricate designs of the Pua Kumbu,” Bangie stated at the National Craft Complex.
She was presented the National Craft Icon 2024 award by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
This award serves as the highest recognition for the efforts of craft entrepreneurs and artists in advancing and empowering craft products in Malaysia.
Bangie acquired the weaving skills from her mother and grandmother.
Today, she is a proficient in creating Pua Kumbu, from dyeing threads to weaving cloth with fade-resistant, accurate, and vibrant color tones.
The mother of five is renowned for crafting traditional patterns inspired by her dreams, incorporating natural elements like flora, fauna, and figures to produce intricate details and patterns for the globally recognized craft.
She has also shared her expertise with her children, grandchildren, and villagers in Rumah Gare longhouse in Kapit, Sarawak.
Bangie’s numerous accolades include the Unesco Crafts Prize 1998 for Natural Dye Weaving, being named Sarawak Living Legend of Ikat Weaving by the Sarawak Tourism Ministry in 2019, and receiving the Hasanah Gold Thread Award for the Best Traditional Ikat category last year.
During the launch of the National Craft Day 2024, Anwar highlighted the significance of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of handmade crafts in driving economic growth and tourism revenue.
He emphasized the power of handicrafts in uplifting the lives of disadvantaged individuals and attracting tourists.
“The ministry should promote local batik and songket products as part of tourism offerings,” he suggested.
Anwar urged Malaysia to intensify the promotion of its tourism products and speed up the maintenance and upgrading of facilities to meet the increasing number of visitors.
He pointed out the need for improvements at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Penang International Airport, and Tawau Airport, emphasizing the urgency of expedited enhancements to accommodate the rising tourist influx.
He also stressed the need for swift improvements in immigration and customs services’ efficiency.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and his deputy Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan attended the event alongside Anwar.
The National Craft Day 2024 showcases various local craft products and artisans at the National Craft Complex, open daily from 10am to 10pm until March 4.
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