KUALA LUMPUR: Songket, Malaysia’s traditional textile, was showcased at The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum, Washington, D.C. in the first-ever presentation of the iconic textile in the United States (US).
Organised by the Malaysian Embassy, the landmark event introduced American audiences to the opulent tradition and beauty of Songket.
Opened by Malaysian Ambassador to the US, Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, the event was attended by nearly 200 guests, both in-person and online, including Director of The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum, Dr. John Wetenhall and Academic Coordinator of the Cotsen Textile Traces Study Centre, Karthika Audinet.
The Embassy, in a statement, said a hybrid lecture and micro exhibition were held in conjunction with the event.
Senior Curator of the Collection Management Division at the Museum Malaysia Department, Nirmala Sharippudin; Director of the National Textile Museum of Malaysia, Tengku Intan Rahimah Tengku Mat Saman; and Textile Researcher and Assistant Secretary with the Malaysian Education Ministry representative, Khairul Anwar, made presentations about Songket, renowned for its luxurious silk interwoven with shimmering gold or silver threads.
“Attendees were treated to a rare glimpse of historic Songket pieces, some dating back to the 1800s, highlighting the textile’s enduring beauty and evolution over time,” it said.
Traditionally worn during significant ceremonies, Songket serves as a symbol of Malaysia’s cultural richness, blending intricate design with profound meaning.
Songket was recognised by Unesco as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021.
In a separate statement, the Embassy said it will organise a ‘Songket Malaysia Day’ programme from Oct 11 to 25, at the Malaysian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The event will feature an exhibition, a fashion show, and demonstrations of Songket weaving.
The statement quoted Mohamed Nazri as saying that he has specifically chosen to promote Songket to mark the 61st Malaysia Day, so that guests would have the opportunity to appreciate the artistry of this luxurious handicraft.
“Besides honouring our heritage, I also wish to promote cultural exchange and understanding between Malaysia and the US,” he said.
“My hope is that it will attract global interest in our traditional textiles and facilitate their entry into a wider market.”
The two-week celebration will commence with The Magnificent Golden Threads of Songket Fashion Show and the official launch of Songket Malaysia Day Exhibition on Oct 10.
Crown Prince of Kelantan, Tengku Muhammad Fakry Petra, will also be present to officiate and support Songket Malaysia in Washington, D.C, the statement said.
The fashion show will feature creations by renowned Malaysian designer Sharifah Kirana and emerging young designer Zachrin Jaafars.
Songket textiles from Malaysia’s National Textiles Museum will also be on display.
Several artists and artisans will be flown to Washington for the launch. Among them is Adiguru Hajah Kelthom Hussein, the proprietor of Che Minah Songket, who will demonstrate the art of Songket weaving.
Art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience a live demonstration of a mural painting by artist Dani Omar, who works with mixed media, it added.
The Songket Malaysia Day exhibition will be open to the public at the Malaysian Embassy, located at 3516 International Court, N.W., Washington, D.C., from 2pm to 4pm daily throughout the event. – Bernama
