THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ADIGURU KRAF IN SUSTAINING THE HERITAGE OF MALAY WOOD CARVING WITH RESILIENT PRACTICES

Abstract

This paper aims to elaborate on how the roles, responsibilities and good practices can join in the enterprise of sustaining the heritage of Malay wood carving as reflected in the case of Adiguru kraf (master craftsman), Abd. Muhaimin Hasbollah from Temerloh, Pahang. The rationale is that virtues of research in understanding the roles and responsibilities of Adiguru Kraf, through his craft practices in sustaining the heritage of Malay wood carving is relatively novel and vital for recognition. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to identify the key components of his involvements in sustaining the wood carving industry. This is essential as the Malay wood carving is traditionally associated with the making of craft that requires manual skill and craftsmanship, while its production is to exercise skill based on knowledge and experiences. A qualitative interview with Abd. Muhaimin was conducted and it has set out the context of a master craftsman, an inheritor of heritage carving and practices, in relation to his roles and responsibilities that reflect his title as Adiguru Kraf. The investigation has led to the understanding of his characteristics and how he produced his works with some levels of exclusiveness, peacefulness, and purposefulness. The outcome and contribution of the paper is a better understanding of the roles of the master craftsman, which may become inspiration for the younger generation of woodcarvers to excel in their profession. Understanding of his roles in relation to the professional virtues and craft production is essential because of the potential and value of eliciting and transmitting of his knowledge and skill for the development of wood carving craft and industry.